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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

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    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)