Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: truthandlife

Iran did apparently put an object into orbit. So technically, they have a delivery system that could hit the US East coast, heck, anywhere really. The question is, with what? Their satellite was relatively small. Certainly smaller (weight) than any reasonable RV. As you add mass to the top end (eg. a warhead), you reduce the effective range. I believe people in the field refer to this as “total impulse” in the missile/launch system. It is a measure of the total energy in the propulsion system. For a given total impulse, as you add weight, you take away range...


6 posted on 05/31/2009 8:07:33 PM PDT by CodeMasterPhilzar (I'll keep my money, my guns, and my freedom. You can keep the "change.")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]


To: CodeMasterPhilzar

GREAT point. It is true and should not be a surprise, if they can hit space, they can hit anywhere on Earth.


9 posted on 05/31/2009 8:41:42 PM PDT by PghBaldy (Prince Arugula and Lady Armpit, AKA BO & MO are driving me batty!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies ]

To: CodeMasterPhilzar
"Iran did apparently put an object into orbit. So technically, they have a delivery system that could hit the US East coast, heck, anywhere really."

Yes, it's now a question only of accuracy and throw weight. Can they hit the Est Coast with "something." Probably. A warhead as heavy as a small nuke? Unlikely, but they are making big strides. The question is when, rather than whether.

15 posted on 06/01/2009 8:41:36 PM PDT by cookcounty (He who controls the Language controls the Debate.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson