Dale.Amon%CMU-RI-FAS@sri-unix.UUCP (03/21/84)
The vulnerabilty of objects in space is pointed out in a book titled "Confrontation in Space". The author points out that a simple sounding rocket, on a ballistic trajectory with a load of 10p nails launched such that it explodes well above the target path, can set up a 'wall' of shrapnel that will tear apart all but the most solidly protected vehicles. In this case the kinetic energy of the target vehicle supplies the destructive force. The unfortunate aspect of this method is that a terrorist group could apply it. Accuracy requirements are not particularly great, and the throw weight is within range of commercially available sounding rockets. Shrapnel type weapons are in general the most effective available at this time. With no atmosphere to carry a shockwave, even nuclear explosives require very near misses to be effective (of course other effects, such as glow in the dark astronauts and EMP must be considered, but it MAY be possible to shield against such effects. The latter part of this discussion assumes a heavily defended (ie some form of anti-missile system) target.