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C-MASAD-82-10 1 (1982-02-26)

handle is hein.gao/gaobabdcd0001 and id is 1 raw text is: LI uhIY'1 THE. CMOI 01LII? CIENI 1AT OF THEl UNJIT1 ) STATE~S / / ) I 4go r7 DOD'S SPACE-BASED LASER PROGRAM--POTENTIAL, PROGRESS, AND PROBLEMS D I C E S T1 1he United States is pursuing directed-energy weapon technologies involving devices for gen- erating and controlling laser, particle, and microwave beams which may revolutionize mili- tary strategy, tactics, and doctrine. Beam weapons could rapidly destroy targets by means of intense electromagnetic radiation or parti- cle fluxes, instead of by projectiles and explosives. They are expected to play an increasing defense role in the future. Laser weapon technology is the best understood and most mature of the three types of directed- energy weapon technologies. The Department of Defense (DOD) has been developing technology to demonstrate the feasibility of high-energy laser weapon systems for various tactical and strategic missions. One widely discussed laser weapon concept involves a constellation of laser weapon platforms in space which has the potential to provide a credible air and ballistic missile defense system for the United States (no such defense currently exists). WHY THE REVIEW AS MADE Since no other laser weapon concept currently being developed has such profound military im- plications, this report is devoted to the DOD space-based laser (SPL) program. GAO's review of the program was undertaken because of the recent interesIt in the area by the Congress, ECD, and the media. TIhe 1review assessed program prog- ress, examined the issues associated with dem- onstrating S511 wealjons potential, and assessed the existing SUL management structure. WL APONS Uw ICLFIA]1I While effective SPL missile defense systems 118037 could not be deployed until well into the future, emerging technology has progressed to the point at which its military use is rela- tively clear. However, significant techni- cal uncertainties remain to be resolved before i C-MASAD-82-10 FEBRUARY 26, 1982 This is an unclassified digest furnished in lieu of a report containing classified security information.