The former USSR had built a ground based ASAT laser in the Sary Shagan test range that could hit satellites in LEO.

A dedicated orbiting Soviet ASAT system became operational in 1971.

Other, even more potent, high energy laser projects were conducted in and around Archangelsk, Siberia during the seventies and eighties. (Thus my reference to archangels ;-)

They didn't limit themselves to these efforts though and developed exoatmospheric ABM missiles, direct-ascent nonnuclear interceptors and the like.

The Tyuratam cosmodrome was used for storage of many ASAT systems and assets. However, they "cooled" their tests by 1982 - after Reagan was in office. (Yet another unpublicized victory for the Gipper.)

In 197X, Gary's sat was like a passing duck in a shooting gallery.

Due to the years of experience of being targeted by lasers, it's safe to say I don't think Robert's guide star laser poses a real threat to any of our military or intelligence assets.

However, no one is going to be giving out specs so that someone knows exactly what threshold LEO or MEO assets must comply with.

Especially not a self proclaimed "evil lefty!"

;-)

Hope that clears it up.

SDAI-Tech1
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(Note: none of the above information is classified)