Story ANK0 Why the ISS needs a big laser cannon

Why the ISS needs a big laser cannon

by
in space on (#ANK0)
story imageAccording to NASA, there is almost 3,000 tons of space debris residing in a low-Earth orbit. This includes old, derelict satellites, leftover rocket parts and bodies, and other parts and tiny bits of wreckage produced by collisions of other larger objects. Impacts from this junk can cause damage to satellites due to their speed, as most are traveling about 22,370 miles per hour. As more and more satellites and spacecraft are sent into space, the problem of space debris is growing. Most spacecraft, including the International Space Station, can withstand impacts from most of the smaller junk in the neighborhood of 0.4 inches due to the shielding on the crafts. However, there are more than 700,000 pieces larger than that currently in orbit. While items larger than 4 inches are easy to spot, the ones between 0.4 inches and 4 inches in size are difficult to identify and dodge.

Researchers at the Extreme Universe Space Observatory could be getting a powerful laser installed in the Japan section of the International Space Station to help shoot down the space junk. Once the EUSO detects space junk, the Coherent Amplification Network laser would then blast the debris, burning off a thin film of matter from the surface and nudging the junk downward to burn up in Earth's atmosphere. The full-scale version would be armed with a 100,000-watt ultraviolet CAN laser than could fire 10,000 pulses per second. Researchers believe that this could blast space junk from a range of about 60 miles.
Reply 7 comments

PARTY ON!!!! (Score: 1)

by billshooterofbul@pipedot.org on 2015-06-08 13:45 (#ANS4)

How do they get the energy for the laser? (Score: 1)

by tanuki64@pipedot.org on 2015-06-09 08:44 (#AQXR)

The ISS is only solar powered. What is their storage capacity? How long does it take to 'recharge'?

Share! (Score: 0)

by Anonymous Coward on 2015-06-09 09:02 (#AQZ9)

What? The ISS needs a laser?? Whst about me? One of these could be great to deal with the doof doof cars in the neighbourhood

Re: Share! (Score: 2, Insightful)

by billshooterofbul@pipedot.org on 2015-06-09 13:21 (#ARN3)

Just give them the coordinates, and let them shoot from space. That way you can have a plausible alibi. Maybe like commit a minor crime at the same time so the cops are your alibi. Instead of the cops going, Hmm, which house with a giant laser melted those cars?

Re: Share! (Score: 1)

by tanuki64@pipedot.org on 2015-06-09 14:55 (#ARV8)

I doubt that today's lasers from orbit, through the whole atmosphere could even give you a mild tan. :-)

Re: Share! (Score: 1)

by billshooterofbul@pipedot.org on 2015-06-11 15:28 (#AZEA)

Well, luckily the laser has not been installed yet. So its a tomorrow class laser, rather than a today class laser.

Re: Share! (Score: 0)

by Anonymous Coward on 2015-06-11 04:54 (#AXHH)

Fine. No problem. Let us give that a try... test the theory... if all else fails we shall summon a Rod from God