We also have indications of a strong electromagnetic pulse that struck one of our early-warning satellites.

Deployment of a more modern early-warning satellite, such as the one depicted at right, to detect missiles as they are launched into space.

Both systems might be helped by a swarm of new early-warning satellites called 'brilliant eyes'.

What stopped them were our early-warning satellites, which showed there were no Soviet missiles in the air.

But most of Russia's early-warning satellites have stopped functioning or wandered out of their assigned orbits.

The old rate, based on orbital data from early-warning satellites that watch for rocket firings and nuclear explosions with telescopes, was eight impacts a year.

American early-warning satellites can spot the missile's fiery plume, allowing ground controllers to calculate the launcher's location.

Military experts say the clouds have no operational effect on Scud missiles or the capabilities of American early-warning satellites.

Aviation Week said the new satellite would be the first of at least nine such early-warning satellites the military intends to place in orbit.

Space Command has only been able to conduct a preliminary analysis of the images our early-warning satellites picked up.