DE-STAR is a modular array of kilowatt lasers powered by photovoltaics. System heats target surfaces to ~3000 K for vaporization. Two types: large stand-off arrays and smaller stand-on DE-STARLITE systems
First human presence in space was mediated in 1944 with MW 18014. Direct human presence began with Yuri Gagarin in 1961. ISS became first continuous crewed space station in 2000. Space tourism started in 2001, with over 29,000 person-days spent
MEO orbits between 2,000 and 35,786 km above sea level. Satellites have orbital periods less than 24 hours. Dominated by solar radiation pressure and Earth's albedo. Includes Van Allen radiation belts above equator
Spatial disorientation occurs when vision is dominant, making position determination difficult. Four systems work together: vision, vestibular, proprioceptive, and auditory. In flight, sensory conflicts create illusions that make orientation impossible
LEO orbits have periods of 128 minutes or less and eccentricities below 0.25. Most artificial objects orbit between 800 km and 2,000 km altitude. LEO region extends below 2,000 km altitude
Geosynchronous orbit matches Earth's rotation period (23 hours 56 minutes). Circular GSO has constant altitude of 35,786 km. Objects return to same position in sky every sidereal day. Special case is geostationary orbit (GEO) in equatorial plane