In this paper, the possible impact effects of orbital bombardment systems and their feasibility are studied. These effects are the projectile penetration into concrete and steel targets and seismic effects. The equations of motion for the re-entry of a projectile and the penetration were solved numerically. The projectile penetration is modelled using the Alekseevskii–Tate model. By varying the altitude (
Weapons in orbit may provide a strategic advantage. However, they are restricted by international space laws.
Impact angle of the projectile is a bottleneck for kinetic orbital bombardment.
Larger impact angles can be achieved, but at the expense of a larger mass-to-orbit.
A hypersonic drag device may be used to optimise the impact angle and thus improve the system.
Alternative projectile delivery methods (Bomber, Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)) show better performance for both steel and concrete targets.
Essentially, only penetration phenomena matter because the seismic effects are not significant. Therefore, orbital bombardment systems don’t even resemble weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
Given their limited effect, destroying a particular target requires a guidance and flight control system, which, given the high velocities, may not be feasible.