Brown, Dale - Independent 01 Read Online Free PDF

military station? It’s only been in orbit for a few months—”
                “Yes, and
it is fully operational,” Govorov said. “As we all know, sir, the Americans
have successfully completed their first operational test of their illegal Thor
space-based interceptor missile. Although the test was less than perfect—”
                “That is an overstatement, Govorov,”
Khromeyev put in. “The Americans called it an operational test, but it was
carefully staged to insure optimal results. In spite of their choreography, our
intelligence reported several clear misses with the Thor missile. It is an
obvious propaganda ploy—”
                “Our intelligence
puts the effectiveness of the Thor missile at no better than eighty-three
percent,” Govorov agreed, “which my staff feels is no better than fifty percent
in an actual wartime scenario. But, sir, the Thor missile is not at issue. My
staff is more concerned with the system of advanced sensors now in use,
especially the phased- array, space-based radar aboard the space station
Armstrong. It has a far greater capability than we first estimated. We believe,
sir, that the space-based radar can track and identify objects on land, sea,
and in the air from ranges in excess of sixteen hundred kilometers.”
                A clamor of
voices erupted in the conference chamber. Czilikov’s voice boomed out above
them all. “Sixteen hundred kilometers? That’s impossible. No radar can do
that.”
                “No
earth-bound radar, sir. But a radar mounted in space has no size or
geographical limitations. It’s limited only by the power available to it—and
the space station has enough solar-energy capability to power the whole
Kremlin.”
                “You are trying to tell us,” Deputy
Minister Ilanovsky said, “that a single space station can monitor all movement
of military equipment involved in Operation Feather? Thousands of vehicles
spread out over millions of cubic kilometers of space in mountainous terrain
and in bad weather? That is preposterous—”
                “It may
sound so,” Govorov said to the commander of the army, “but our estimates
confirm it.”
                “I say that
whether this radar can do all of these things is still immaterial,” Deputy
Minister Marasimov, the commander of Strategic Rocket Forces, said. “The
station is in polar earth orbit. It does not permanently position itself over
the Middle East . It can only provide short-term glimpses
of the region a few times each day. Which would make it
impractical as a warning and control station. ”
                Govorov
hesitated for a moment. “That’s true, but—”
                “This
expensive toy has no more capability than an ordinary reconnaissance
satellite,” Marasimov went on, smiling benignly at young Govorov. “What you
have said about the Armstrong’s radar is true ... if the radar is in operation when it passes over the area, if it works properly, if its operators and interpreters
correctly analyze the images, and if they can get the information to regional commanders in time to be of some use.
By my count that’s four pretty damn big ifs.”
                Marasimov
nodded to Czilikov. “I believe our young colleague has presented some very...
interesting information, but I also believe that the radar on the American
space station would be no obstacle to the success of Feather.”
                Govorov
looked amazed. “Excuse me, but—”
                “Thank you,
General Lieutenant Govorov,” Czilikov said, dismissing him. “I will expect
detailed briefings on each command order of battle for Operation Feather in two
weeks.”
                Govorov
sank back into his metal folding chair as Czilikov continued issuing his
orders. He struggled to remain poker-faced, his eyes narrowed into angry