dreamingwell t1_j9m2vnu wrote on February 22, 2023 at 11:14 PM

Reply to comment by Maldikons in Starship greenlit for launch after static fire test by DevilsRefugee

Not totally defending SpaceX, but they have to consider what happens if Russia declares open fire their satellites. It would be complete devastation for the company and all of Humanity. So SpaceX has to drawn the line somewhere.

dirtydrew26 t1_j9mys1l wrote on February 23, 2023 at 3:07 AM

Russia doesnt have the means to destroy a satellite constellation. They barely have enough guided missiles to shoot at Ukrainian civilians, let alone high precision missiles for sat kills, which they would need literal hundreds of.

DBDude t1_j9qn3xw wrote on February 23, 2023 at 9:40 PM

They do have to worry about the US government. "You can export restricted satellite technology for communications" is not the same permission as "You can export restricted satellite technology to guide bombs." Dual-use tech is a fun area of ITAR regulations.

Draemeth t1_j9mz6rt wrote on February 23, 2023 at 3:10 AM

It’s easier to consistently hit satellites than people, actually. Satellites have a fixed trajectory, a public location and can’t exactly hide. People are small, annoying, constantly moving, intelligent, underground, hidden, etc. I’d bet Russia could easily take out satellites, but so could a lot of countries

Anderopolis t1_j9qx7yw wrote on February 23, 2023 at 10:43 PM

You are seriously overestimating the number of Russian ASAT ca0able missiles.