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From: al@aurora.UUCP (Al Globus)
Newsgroups: net.space
Subject: Debris from Upcomming ASAT Test
Message-ID: <385@aurora.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 3-Sep-85 15:10:02 EDT
Article-I.D.: aurora.385
Posted: Tue Sep  3 15:10:02 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 8-Sep-85 05:01:08 EDT
Distribution: net
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Mtn. View, CA
Lines: 19

The U.S. proposes to test its new ASAT on an existing satellite in
the near future.  This satellite is, presumably, in low Earth orbit.
Destruction of the satellite will undoubtedly create a great deal of
debris in orbits close to the original orbit.  Does anyone have a good
idea of how much danger this will create for Shuttle, Space Station, 
the Space Industries Inc. facility, and Salyut?  
Should an environmental impact report be required to insure that
DOD has carefully considered the problems that this test might create for
peaceful users of near Earth space?

Note that most of the debris currently in low Earth orbit was created by
US boosters whose residual fuel ate through the internal tanks, combined,
and exploded; and ***Soviet ASAT tests***.

Lastly, might the national interest be better served by negotiating and
monitoring a ban on all ASAT tests and, simultaneously, launching very
large numbers of spy satellites to dilute the tactical advantage of the
Soviet ASAT to negligable levels?  The Soviets claim they are prepared
to end ASAT tests if the US will follow suit.