Article by Debalina Ghoshal
Space based interceptor is not solely about interceptors. What will make space based interception a success is network centricity. Laser communication terminals (LCT) are crucial assets in space based interception. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) will remain critical in space operations, and LCT will play an important role in ensuring LEO objects are secure through secure communication network. This is because interception requires network centric systems to be in perfect communication networked with each other so as to enable rapid data transmission in a critical threat environment where speed is a major determining factor.
Satellite Laser Communication Terminals are devices for space communication devices that establish high speed data links between satellites or space craft in orbit and ground stations on Earth and other celestial bodies. They use laser beams for transmitting data optically rather than radio frequency (RF) signals. Laser communication terminals offer several advantages over traditional RF signals.
Laser beams broadcast narrow beams unlike radio waves that scatter in multiple directions. These narrow makes it difficult for adversaries to jam laser beams unless they jamming systems are in close proximity to the system. This means that spectrum interference is negligible thus avoiding congestion. Such mechanisms enable the system to consume less power.
The system may be conducive in an electromagnetic environment also owing to the feature of anti-electromagnetic interference. This means these communication terminals would be less susceptible to ground-based electromagnetic interference.
Laser beams will also operate at frequencies higher than the radio waves that would increase the volume of information and data that the missile interceptors could send to the command centres making missile defence command and communication simple and faster. One key reason laser terminals could travel faster is their lighter payloads making them low weight.
This feature of low latency provides an advantage in speed as data is transferred without minimal delay and through a secure network. This means that the system is lesser susceptible to disruptions and hence, will be conducive against hypersonic and supersonic systems where time sensitivity is crucial to deterrence and crises stability. A system that is secure and less susceptible to destruction is a highly accurate and reliable system. This strengthens the deterrent value of the space based interceptors also that will employ these satellites.
Communication could be encrypted in this process making it less vulnerable to hacking. One way of making this possible is the employment of quantum cryptography between the satellite and command centres of interceptor missiles and handled by data processing units. Chaotic encryption could also be another way to ensure secured data transfer by turning transmission signals into noise that mimic natural background noise of the environment, jamming becomes cumbersome for adversaries as there will be a requirement of mathematical modeling that is time consuming in a crises prone threat environment.
It is also conducive for states possessing nuclear weapons and possibly having a Launch under Attack (LuA) strategy. In case, a state is attacked by nuclear warhead missiles, such communication terminals could enable interceptors to avoid a nuclear holocaust. Not only nuclear weapons, but states are also employing deadly conventional weapons like thermobaric weapons causing severe challenges to human lives. Laser beams could prevent a catastrophic conventional mishap.
Space based interception could become an option for many states. It has already become crucial in US defence policy and forms a backbone for the Golden Dome missile defence shield. France was also keen to develop space-based interception for wider and full spectrum defence and Dark’s, a space company in France, Orbital Interceptor did show credible merits but faced several challenges before it ceased its operations.
With the help of a new military orbital surveillance platform, Boreolis, the United Kingdom has also begun its participation in space-based interception. The system is capable of tracking satellites and military debris and also hostile activities. This will be done by fusing data from multiple sensors and hence, is a protective command and control network. The country is also progressing towards laser communication terminals (LCT) for strengthened space security. French enterprise Safran Data System has focused on IRIS Optical Ground Station to make advancements in laser communication terminals. Safran Defence and Electronics could enable armed forces perform missile interception with greater alacrity.
Laser communication in space missions is becoming a choice for countries and this technology is now unavoidable given its many advantages. Compact laser communication terminals are also a being considered for a tactical and localised environment with limitations in the space domain. This will further increase bandwidths and cater for larger volumes of data transmission. They will weigh less than standard laser communication terminals as they would carry lighter hardware and hence, faster and will be more efficient with lesser use of power.
Laser communication terminals will become a reality in the near future if space based interception becomes a compulsion to strengthen deterrence. Space based interceptors may consider them viable option for credibility that is improved with speed and efficiency. Missile interception in future will become complex process which will require time sensitive solutions. High speed interceptors will also require network centric operations that are capable of high speed deliverance.
