Top-secret X-37B mini-shuttle mission lifts off from Cape Canaveral

On Dec 19, 9:18*pm, "jonathan" wrote:


China's Evolving ASAT Weapons Programs and Their
Implications for Future U.S. Strategy


China's direct-ascent ASATs pose a serious challenge to
U.S. photographic intelligence (PHOTINT), electro-optical (EO),
synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and electronic intelligence
(ELINT) satellites that operate in low-earth orbit (LEO).
According to Desmond Ball, a stockpile of around 20 direct-ascent
ASATs would be needed to guarantee the destruction
of the six or seven EO/SAR satellites that are thought to
currently constitute the bulk of classified U.S. national
security space imaging.



So, can anyone imagine why the military might want to have
a half dozen or so mini shuttles lying about ...ready to go?


1. Notice it didn't say missile warning satellites, they are too
high for the Chinese ASAT.
2. Having a "half dozen or so mini shuttles lying about ...ready to
go" doesn't do squat, they still will take several months to launch.