The War on Terror on Earth, in Orbit and in the Future

One year after the assault on the United States by terrorists the constellation of military satellites orbiting our troubled planet remain the same.

New spy satellites and communication switchboards in the sky -- already planned for launch in 2002 well before the events of Sept. 11, 2001-- have been put on hold, in one case to give engineers time to improve the satellite so it can better track terrorist movements.
TECH WEDNESDAY
Visit SPACE.com to explore a new technology feature each Wednesday.
>>Go to Tech Wednesday archive page




Images



Unpiloted aerial vehicles, like this Predator craft, can be navigated via Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. This class of vehicle can deliver bombs, carry out surveillance of the enemy, and serve a variety of behind-enemy-line duties - all without endangering human pilot. Credit: U.S. Air Force





Artist's rendering of a Lockheed Martin Defense Satellite Communication System (DSCS) spacecraft, which connects military bases to field operations from 22,300 miles up.






Air Force operates Milstar spacecraft that provide strategic tactical relay. These satellites are beefed up to withstand nuclear blasts in space.






The network of Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites are critical to military operations in the air, on the ground, and in Earth orbit.





Related SPACE.com STORIES


SPACE.com's Complete Coverage of the Attack on America





U.S. Security Depends On Space Assets, Says Air Force Undersecretary





Air Force Moves Forward On Unified Space Force





Space Goal Part Of U.S. Military Transformation





Shuttle and Station Crews Pay Tribute to Sept. 11 Victims





TODAY'S DISCUSSION

What do you think of this story?
>>Uplink your views





In the aftermath of the destruction of the World Trade Center, the damage to the Pentagon and the loss of life in Pennsylvania, U.S. officials are in the midst of a major reappraisal of how space can help thwart future attacks at home, as well as fight the enemy on distant battlefields.

Be it using robot drones, orbital bombers, and super-snooping satellites or carrying out down-and-dirty, hand-to-hand combat -- the utilization of space technology is now more vital than ever to assuring national and global security.

During President George W. Bush's address to the nation in June, he highlighted the role of science and technology. "In the war against terrorism, America's vast science and technology base provides us with a key advantage."

Underscoring that view is White House science advisor, John Marburger.

"Our terrorist enemies are technically savvy, and continued technological progress is required to better defend the homeland and 'stay one step ahead' of their technical capabilities," Marburger remarked in a recent report to the White House. "American science and technology leadership can and will help the nation counter and respond to the terrorist threats we are confronting," he said.