The existing plan calls for an experimental space-based laser to be launched around 2012. An operable constellation would be orbited after 2020. The defense, meanwhile, is being conducted over at the Space Vehicles Directorate. Janet Fender, the directorate's chief scientist, said scientists are preparing satellite defenses against existing and future anti-satellite weapons. Work at the labs includes hardening satellites to the natural radiation in space as well as the electromagnetic pulse from a high-altitude explosion.
Scientists also study how to defend satellites against laser and jamming attacks from the surface.
The first step in preparing defenses is to have satellites that know they are being attacked. The directorate is developing satellite-mounted sensors that can detect attacks and pinpoint their source, presumably on the surface of the Earth, said Babu Singaraju, a technical adviser at the directorate. The directorate also is building prototype satellites that can inspect friendly satellites or spy on enemy orbiters, Singaraju said. This would be carried into orbit by a rocket or space plane and function as a satellite, said Maj. Nathan Titus, the program's manager.