[TML] Guns in Space!

[Jerry W Barrington]

On 8/31/07 10:35 PM, "Michael Jenkins" wrote:

> However, it occurs to me that the use of such a weapon could
> potentially cause a big increase in the amount of fast-moving debris
> in orbits intersecting that of the vessel with the cannon - you
> wouldn't want to be hit by your own shells or resulting debris from
> any hits one or more orbits of the shells/debris later.

Actually, this has been one of the better arguments against militarizing
space.  After an all-out orbital war, with everybody destroying each others
spy sats & weapon platforms, there  could be so much debris in orbit, and
particularly in the most popular/useful orbits, that space could become
useless for decades or even centuries.  Of course, if we nuked ourselves
back the stone age in the process, it might be a moot point.

And even for energy weapons, the debris of the target probably masses a lot
more than the shells of a kinetic gun anyway!

As for the range/sighting issue, they said it was to repel boarders.  By
definition, they have to come close and get slow.  :)

And Mike Vida, just about *anything* by Cherryh is worth the time to read.