this post was submitted on 09 Oct 2025
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the problem with sattelites is that they have to be on a predictable course. any opponent able to reach space can destroy them. the communication to remotely piloted aircraft can also be jammed as part of an attack. it's why they could use an astro-inertial navigation system on the SR-71 that could not be jammed and would allow the pilot to sway from the planned course, but also go back on course. i can't believe they retired it. it closed a gap.
spy planes have better maneuverability than sattelites. if it flies as high as the SR-71, the pilot has a lot of time to react from missile launch until it's close.
Yeah the NRO satellites really make me doubt that. $2-$6b satellites capable imaging the sunlit side of the planet every 90 minutes would be a stupid expense if any country could just shoot them down.
to shoot one down is expensive and creates space debris, but
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-satellite_weapon