https://breakingdefense.com/2021/02/hypersonic-debates-shaped-by-politics-aerospace/
It is the goal of
any society to continue to grow and adapt with the times. For the arms race
this bring hypersonic missiles into the picture, which is being widely discussed
among scientists and politicians around the world. The topic of discussion being
the development of hypersonic missiles and if through the exploration start the
next arms race. Tom Mahnken, president of the respected Center for Strategic
and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA), has been urging on the side of caution when
getting overly excited. As there is not enough information currently to
properly give the pros and cons of these missiles being developed. Hypersonic missiles
are created when we combine the speed of ballistic missiles coupled
with the maneuvering capabilities of cruise missiles.
The discussion has caused controversy within
the DOD over the study released by Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), which criticized
the “effectiveness of hypersonic missiles”. The study contained a poll, which
consisted of mainly DOD officials, that laid out four viewpoints ranging across
the political sphere. The viewpoints were simple, first, there is the viewpoint
of getting ahead. This of course would urge us to, by any means possible,
advance our technology with regards to hypersonic technology. A second
viewpoint says that the country should be on the defensive and advance the
technology to protect against the usage of them from other countries. Third, is
the idea of “draw the line” between what will be tolerated and will not be. Which
means that we should be able to advance the technology but be mindful not to
cross boundaries that prevent certain weapons to be created. Lastly. There is
the view that weapons, such as the Avangard, should not be created. Rather, we
should be able to stick with what we have and prevent possible catastrophe. Avangard
being the Russian hypersonic glide vehicle that is said to be fully functional
and have been tested several times.
With
the advancements in science continuing, it stands within reason that countries
would address questions of if this type of technology should be invested in. It
seen back when scientists were working on the Atomic Bomb when there debates on
whether nuclear arms should continue in the trajectory they are. This brings into
play questions of morality and the amount human life they are willing to give
up.
Which side of the fence are you on?
Where do you see the exploration
hypersonic technology leading us?
1 comment:
Great reading yourr blog
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