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LASER WEAPON TECHNOLOGY AND
THE STAR WARS PROGRAM |
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If a nuclear attack were launched on America, it could
involve hundreds of missiles carrying thousands of warheads,
each travelling at up to 4 miles a second towards targets
they would reach within 30 minutes of launch. To protect
themselves, the US have therefore developed their Strategic
Defense Initiative (SDI) or 'Star Wars' program. |
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MIRACL - MID-INFRARED ADVANCED
CHEMICAL LASER |
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Firing a beam six feet wide, it has been steadily improved
until it is now thought to be steady enough to hit satellites.
However, for the scientists who have been designing the
laser at the White Sands base in the New Mexico desert,
they want to show that the laser can not only demolish
spy satellites, but also fast-moving aircraft and missiles.
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