The Effects of High-altitude Nuclear Explosions on Non-military Satellites

Résumé du livre

"The United States has become increasingly dependent on space for communications, remote sensing, weather, navigation, and science and technology development. If a nuclear weapon were to be detonated in space or near space, these capabilities would be placed at risk. This report summarizes public information on the effects that space and near-space nuclear detonations could have on non-military satellites. The report provides two illustrative cases: a hypothetical nuclear detonation at 400 km altitude at low Earth orbit and a detonation at 30 km altitude, an altitude suitable for generating electromagnetic pulse. The authors examined the effects from prompt radiation, delayed radiation effects, and effects on the atmosphere"-- Source other than Library of Congress.