ing capability with concurrent impact on our national security. What is the Agency doing to develop alternative means of testing which would replace or substitute the lost capability? Answer. First of all, I would like to emphasize that we cannot foresee the time when it will be technically possible to reproduce fully in laboratory simulators the radiation environment in underground tests. However, we have been able to replace some underground effects testing with simulators and it will certainly be possible to do more in the future. We have an aggressive program to improve radiation simulators as rapidly as possible within resource constraints. Presently, we have the capability with our radiation simulators to provide threat-level exposures over major satellite subsystems (areas of up to 1000 CM2). Possible enhancements in Xray source output over the next five years could provide us with the capability to test ensembles of satellite subsystems with their interconnecting cables, entire satellite centerbodies, and major missile electronics assemblies to levels of interest. Further advances appear possible if our rapidly expanding base of pulse power technology is fully exploited. [CLERK'S NOTE.-End of questions submitted by Mr. Dicks.] Mr. CHAPPELL. General Pickitt, thank you very much. |