Spies in the Sky: Surveillance Satellites in War and Peace

ISBN-13: 9780387716725 / Angielski / Miękka / 2007 / 240 str.

Pat Norris

Opis

In Spies in the Sky' Patrick Norris responds to the occasion of the 50^th Anniversary of the dawn of the Space Age the launch of Sputnik 1 with a review of the most important historical applications of space science for the benefit of the human race during that half century, focusing particularly on the prevention of nuclear war. The author addresses the oft quoted conclusion that the Moon landings and the race to the Moon between the two superpowers were a side effect of the Cold War, by describing what he believes was the more important event the use of satellites by military to prevent the Cold War becoming a hot war . In developing the story the author casts a spotlight on a little-known aspect of the Space Age, namely the military dimension. Today military satellites represent 25 percent of all satellites in orbit, and they are just as important now in preventing regional nuclear war as they were in preventing global Armageddon more than 30 years ago. Beginning with a discussion of Sputnik 1, and the impact of its launch, both on the Soviets and on the West, the book continues to show the social, economic and scientific benefits of satellites today in our daily lives some 50 years later. The author introduces the concept of the Cold War nuclear stand off and mutually assured destruction and shows how spy satellites developed, and the problems of using them to verify arms limitation treaties. He identifies the significance of the ABM Treaty and of SALT and demonstrates how satellites were used to underpin such agreements. He then discusses fringe nuclear powers, such as the UK, France and China and the concept of nuclear non-proliferation. He concludes by looking at the regional tensions of today, including Israel and Arabic nations, India and Pakistan and the threat posed by North Korea, and looks ahead to what the future holds."

Recenzje

From the reviews:

"The author's aim, in this book, is to persuade readers that 'the most crucial role' played by satellites ... . The book is illustrated with 50 black-and-white photos and has a reference section ... . In one neat and readable package, this book brings together the myths and rumours, facts and factoids, of which most of us have ... recollection, and places them in an historical setting. In the final analysis, the author's take on the 'crucial role' of spy satellites is compelling ... ." (Satellite Evolution Group, October, 2008)

Spis treści

Sputnik.- After 50 years—satellites in our daily lives.- Cold War nuclear stand-off.- Spy satellites.- Problems of verifying an Arms Limitation Treaty.- The road to SALT-I.- SALT-II.- The other Cold War nuclear powers—China, the UK, France.- After the Cold War—regional tensions.- What the future holds.