Artist's impression of an X-ray laser and a kinetic energy weapon system. These projects are both part of the US Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI,or 'Star Wars') programme. The space-based X-ray laser is powered by a nuclear explosion. This creates a massive pulse of X-ray laser energy which is directed at the target to disrupt its guidance electronics. The kinetic energy weapon uses small,high- velocity guided projectiles to intercept missiles. Both of these systems are designed for use against missiles in the boost phase,before warhead deployment. The spherical objects are deployed decoys | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / US Department of Energy |
Taille de l’image : | 5153 px × 3433 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |