Spies in the Sky: Surveillance Satellites in War and Peace (Springer Praxis Books / Space Exploration)

In ‘Spies in the Sky' Patrick Norris responds to the occasion of the 50th 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. "Today, military satellites represent 25 per cent of all satellites in orbit. In Spies in the Sky, Pat Norris argues that the development of satellites has prevented nuclear Armageddon. He believes that the 'race to the Moon' between the two superpowers was a side effect of the Cold War, and that the most important event was the use of satellites by military powers to prevent the Cold War becoming a 'hot war.' He then focuses on the regional tensions of today, and looks ahead to what the future holds - a time when satellites could be the only defense against a nervous nuclear power using its nuclear weapons needlessly."--Résumé de l'éditeur "Today, military satellites represent 25 per cent of all satellites in orbit. In Spies in the Sky, Pat Norris argues that the development of satellites has prevented nuclear Armageddon. He believes that the 'race to the Moon' between the two superpowers was a side effect of the Cold War, and that the most important event was the use of satellites by military powers to prevent the Cold War becoming a 'hot war.' He then focuses on the regional tensions of today, and looks ahead to what the future holds - a time when satellites could be the only defense against a nervous nuclear power using its nuclear weapons needlessly."--Jacket Reviews the history of the military's use of satellites since the flight of Sputnik 1, discusses lesser-known nuclear powers such as the United Kingdom and France, and argues for nuclear non-proliferation.