Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!akgua!sb1!mb2c!uofm-cv!cosivax!dep From: dep@cosivax.UUCP (David E. Pugh) Newsgroups: net.space Subject: Space-based artillery, Project Thor Message-ID: <130@cosivax.UUCP> Date: Sun, 4-Mar-84 11:53:37 EST Article-I.D.: cosivax.130 Posted: Sun Mar 4 11:53:37 1984 Date-Received: Tue, 6-Mar-84 03:37:52 EST Lines: 17 <> The articles on mass driver based artillery remind me a a similar idea I read about a while ago. The idea was to place many (several hundred) steel rods with retro packs and simple guidance in LEO. When needed, the rods could start a re-entry, and (given a steel rod moving a few km/sec) demolish anything it hit. It seems that this system could be based in the near future, and is very tough (since each rod would have to be attacked separately). While I question some aspects of this system (in particular aiming the rods, even with terminal guidance, is easier said than done, and the relative cost/benefits of the system), its an interesting idea. As I recall, the idea was called Project Thor, and was developed by the same group that produced the High Frontier report. Any comments ? --David Pugh (uofm-cv!cosivax!dep)