Orbital bombing

Orbital bombing

Military action consisting of attacking planetary surface targets via ordinance dropped from space.

It is among the oldest space warfare techniques and has included the diversion, acceleration of natural and artificial objects that due to their mass and acceleration become kinetic projectiles (see Kinetic Kill vehicles ) This has included using space debris (Asteroids)  or in the famous pre Union conflict of Algromo versus the Pree an entire planet (smashed into another planet)

But any society past TL 4 can detect and intercept accelerated space debris or can prevent hostile forces to accelerate such a mass.

Union Military uses four Orbital Bombing tehniques


 * 1 - CPA - Complete planbetary anhiliation - only used if total war is declared or the use of weapons capable of this are authorized by the Assembly . (Assembly authorized weapons ) - Such weapon sytems are developed, stored and deployed by the Union Space Force
 * 2 - Robot Bomb attack - A technique developed by United Earth, even before Union membership and perfected over the centuries. Also under the auspice of the Union Space Force. Robot bomb attacks are usually done to eliminate entire civilizations, but there are special robot bombs with a variety of war heads that can and are used individually or in small swarms to attack a tactical targrt rather than strategic ones. (see also Space Force Robot Bombs)
 * 3 - Orbital barrage - Heavy ship weapons are used to target and destroy ground based targets - The Union Spatial Navy is using this when there are no tactical needs to engage the enemy on the ground.
 * 4 - OA Bomber attack - Fast relative small craft used to engage and destroy specific tactical ground targets, while keeping the planet intact as much as possible. Often used to destroy planetary defense installations, space ports, cities etc.