The emerging importance of space-based systems is matched by the maturing of laser technology, giving a potential synergy to enhance military capability. For example, global awareness is one of the AF goals to give the US military the competitive advantage in future conflicts. Obtaining global awareness requires a tremendous amount of information being acquired and transferred over vast distances. Space-based laser communication satellites offer the potential of greatly increased data rates, which is just one example of how lasers in space could significantly improve US military capabilities. Recent strategic planning studies have identified various concepts for lasers in space, including both laser weapons and collateral applications such as communication and remote sensing. Four functional classes of systems (enabling, information-gathering, information-relaying, and energy delivery) serve to organize the various concepts and relate them to the new AF core competencies as well as the traditional AF roles. This study analyzes these concepts, scoring them for technical feasibility, technical maturity, operational enhancement and operational cost. The most promising concepts include space-based laser target designation, space-based battlefield illumination, laser communication, and active remote sensing for battle damage assessment and weather characterization. Several strategies can accelerate the development of space-based laser systems, such as using the new AF battlelabs and advanced technology demonstrations. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
