16-inch gun-launched anti-satellite weapon

Abstract

This thesis determined the feasibility of developing a 16-inch, gun-launched anti-satellite weapon. The general performance capability of rocket-and scramjet-boosted, gun-launched vehicles is examined with regards to propelling a miniature homing vehicle to a satellite intercept altitude. Rocket and scramjet boost vehicle performance is modeled and optimum trajectories are determined. A low gun elevation at launch and a pop-up manuever are required to maximize the scramjet boost vehicle acceleration potential. The rocket boost vehicle is capable of intercepting a low altitude satellite without a pop-up manuever from a gun elevation of 45 degrees. Both boost methods provide apogees consistent with the intercept of known Soviet Electronic Intelligence Ocean Reconnaissance satellites, EORSAT, and Radar Ocean Reconnaissance satellites, RORSAT.