Satellite Superiority

In 1985, Jeffreys [144] discovered that certain sections of human DNA were so characteristic that they alone could be used to identify a suspect, in a manner superior to that of traditional fingerprinting. From this, a highly successful forensic identification technique has been evolved and is now widely used by law enforcement agencies. It is based on the analysis of those parts of human DNA known as mini satellites (satellite DNA). These are characterised by relatively short sequences of about a dozen base pairs which are repeated many times throughout the whole DNA (Chapter 14.3). Minimal samples are required, and a single cell may provide enough DNA for an absolutely positive identification of an individual. ... 

Beryllium is used commercially in three major forms as a pure metal, as an alloy with other metals, and as a ceramic. The favorable mechanical properties of beryllium, e.g., its specific stiffness, have made it a major component for certain aerospace applications in satellites and spacecraft. As a modulator and reflector of neutrons, beryllium is of interest in fusion reactions and for nuclear devices that have defense applications. When a small amount of beryllium is added to copper, the desirable properties of copper (i.e., thermal and electrical conductivity) are kept but the material is considerably stronger. The superior thermal conductivity of beryllium oxide ceramics has made the product useful for circuit boards and laser tubes. A more complete discussion of the applications of beryllium was recently reviewed [2]. 

Economic considerations combined with the need for a near-term return for the investment in fusion development may force considerations of development of fusion fuel factories. Remarkably, advanced-fuel fusion appears to play a vital role if this direction is pursued. Not only does SCD (and for nearer term, SCD-T) appear to offer a superior hybrid, but it simultaneously offers the potential to develop pure fusion in the form of attractive D-- He satellite reactors. Indeed, this combination of... 

Many military strategists believe that the greatest prospects for advancing a country s ability to fight more effectively lie in the development of more sophisticated tools for information warfare. Devices already available, such as GPS, surveillance satellites, and radar have proven effective in combat however, refinements to improve their accuracy and reliability, especially in the face of electronic countermeasures, will continue to be required. Electronic command and control tools—instruments such as the Internet and handheld devices that rely on satellites for broadcast capability—will also require constant updating or replacement with yet-undiscovered technologies that can give commanders improved ability to communicate with subordinates or superiors to direct activities and provide necessary support on the battlefield. 

And this is the whole point what can we expect from satellites, and what part do aircraft have to play This leads me back to the concept of ground resolution which is obviously finer from an aircraft than from a satellite. I would thus like to examine, as soberly as possible, the relative superiority of these two carrying platforms, and answer the question in the heading. 

If aircraft are carrying the same instruments as the satellites, then their superiority seems to go without saying, for common-sense reasons of which I will cite only a few. 

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