The US Navy now has a new weapon: the MIRACL directed energy laser. Although it isn't as strong as other weapons that the military has, its results are incredible. It has demolished missiles, speeding satellites, and drones. However, it brought to a head the debate about space control. The Pentagon is currently investigating the feasibility and use of MIRACL to test space weaponry.
MIRACL is an acronym for the Mid-Infrared Advanced Chemical Laser, and it is the largest chemical laser in the world. It is a continuous wave laser that generates vibrationally excited fluoride molecules. These molecules are then injected into the target. The MIRACL laser is a class megawatt laser that can destroy both land-based and airborne targets. It would take a lot of technological innovation to make a high-power laser capable in destroying enemy satellites. The Pentagon changed the scope and name of the MIRACL Test to avoid a space arms race.
The MIRACL's technology utilizes a laser beam to pulverize an object. This technique has been tested previously. This may be the first use of the laser to perform a kinetic damage evaluation. A beam-shaping optics is used to create a 14 cm square beam, which is then propagated through other parts of the beam train.
It's no secret that the Pentagon is interested in developing a laser capable of destroying enemy satellites. It's not known if the Department of Defense ever will actually fire a MIRACL on an enemy satellite. Former service officers have made it clear that while the Department of Defense may not have explicitly stated this, they believe the laser's capabilities are far more important than any practical concerns. They mention that the technology is also capable of being used for other defenses, such as degrading bombs or missiles.
While the Navy and Army have not yet been trained to shoot a laser at enemy satellites with their weapons, they are still open to the idea. A few sources suggest that the Pentagon is looking into testing a Laser on a Small Satellite called Miniature Sensor Technology Integration(MSTI3) 3. This would allow them to test the effects it might have on a satellite. Others suggest that the Pentagon might send the laser on an emergency mission. No matter what the mission does, it will be a test for the Pentagon's capability to launch and control launch technology.
According to the Congressional Research Service, there are at least three other possible uses for the Mid-Infrared Chemical Laser. One would be to destroy enemy spacecraft, another to damage computerized systems, and the final to kill an individual with a laser. An alternative option is to destroy an adversary rocket. This was already being considered.
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