[krogers58]

All of our important systems are shielded from this EMP device. It is a critical test that all major military systems are "hardened" against such an attack. The US leads the world in "hardening" systems, and in EMP devices. We have been researching in this field longer than anyone.

[Orangedog]

The military has taken measures to harden its electronics from EMP damage, satellites included. But if you've known anyone who did engineering for military, they will be the first to tell you that there is a difference between testing in the lab, and proving it in the field. I hope that you are correct about this territory being covered. Space is a harsh environment and it still amazes me that anything up in orbit lasts as long as it does.

The disturbing thing is the amount "quality time" the Chinese have had with our satellite and launcher technology. IF there is a way for them to "tune" an FCG or EMP bomb to punch through the hardening methods that the satellite contractors used, they will do their damnedest to find it. Aside from the military equipment, I doubt that the private, commercial satellites have received the same treatment. I really don't think that I can overstate just how much damage would be done to our economy if those were taken out. Remember in the summer of 1998 when just one communication satellite went out? Credit card transactions on the almost all of the east coast come to a screaching halt, along with a lot of pagers. Or if during hurricane season the weather satellites went down. I used to think that things like that just can't happen, but the events on 9/11 have kind of changed that.