Slashdot Mirror
Nanosatellite Satellite Inspection
Richard Lancaster writes: "A couple of months ago Slashdot carried a story about the SSTL SNAP-1 spacecraft entitled "Nanosatellite Takes Out The Trash". However, SNAP-1 is a nanosatellite technology demonstrator with a primary mission objective of performing on orbit remote inspection of other spacecraft. We have now carried out our initial remote inspection mission, the results of which are here, and also made an official press release here."
I'd be worried about an application like this doing as much, if not more, harm than good.
For one thing, I believe one of the major things that kept the Cold War cold as the space race picked up was that the US and the USSR could each see, to some extent, what the other was doing... If one could've made a move without the other knowing, things could've gotten ugly.
Also, consider the ways in which the public has profited from programs of military application. GPS sattellites which were originally launched to aid the aiming of missiles are now used in cars, on fishing boats, on camping trips, and so on. Sattelite photographs used for geological surveys and mapmaking could easily be used for military logistics. Or, even worse, in the future, when scientists and civilians make their homes in orbit. How does a satellite aimed at 'taking out' other satellites make the distinciton? How do humans make the distinction for the satellites... and where does one draw the line?
Finally, consider this: Even given the low price tag on these satellites, I can think of a few ways in which these 'poorest of countries' that you mention might rather be willing to spend their precious funds. Food and infrastructure for growth would be at the top of my list.
Don't get me wrong... It's an interesting thought. I'm just not sure it's a can of worms that we really want opened up.
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Hold the mold, Klunk.
Good judgment comes from experience.
Experience comes from bad judgment.
What I would like to know is whether these satellites could be used to make sure that countries like America are unable to spy on other countries with impunity. Countries could launch dozens of these nanosatellites, and use them as kinetic missiles against spy platforms or other more dubious ventures such as Star Wars satellites.
This way, even the poorest of countries could afford to ensure their security from the prying eyes of expansionist countries intent on prying every secret possible from their so-called allies. I think this would make a valuable contribution to both privacy and democracy, and would be a worthwhile use of $$$.