This kill represents one small part of the “SDI” vision of President Reagan. However, it is even more important because it accomplishes something, possibly even more difficult, than the “kill a ballistic missile” vision. Such missiles are hot and therefore easier to sense, and are on a very predictable trajectory outside of the atmosphere. The satellite was cold, and its trajectory was changing each time around the earth due to atmospheric drag, albeit in a relatively known fashion. The sensors of the kill vehicle had to be hurriedly modified to accomplish this feat.
This is exactly a successful demonstration of the technology of President Reagan’s vision that libnuts said would never work, and in some ways, shows even more broad based capability than his vision.
Thanks for the info. The fact that it was a cold target, as you say, makes sense to me that this was quite an accomplishment.
Good’ol USofA!