Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Radio Telescope Has Military Uses?

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the where-do-you-think-a-lot-of-scientific-research-comes-from dept.

schnippy writes "A joint Mexico-U.S. effort to build a monster radio telescope in Mexico is causing concerns because the project, the Large Millimeter Telescope, is part of a U.S. Defense Department effort to develop the target acquisition and directed-energy technology needed for anti-satellite warfare." From the article: " Supporters said links between science and the military are nothing new and emphasized the telescope being assembled on the 15,000-foot Sierra Negra in the state of Puebla wont be some kind of Star Wars defense outpost."

2 of 186 comments (clear)

  1. and what if it is? by OffTheLip · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Since the link between science and the technology of war or peace, depending on your perspective, are entwined why can't it be used for alternative purpose? The fact my microwave oven had it's roots in defense does not stop me from using it.

  2. the article by siddesu · · Score: 5, Insightful

    seems to focus on the worries of a Mexican senator about the source of funding of the project - mostly DARPA (according to the senator). The question is not what prompts this interest at this particular moment -- because I am sure funding data was available for years to the interested parties. Could the reason for this stunt be the general election in Mexico next year?