Satellite Lite

When an enemy might knock down our satellites, what do you do? Fight blind? Replacing a lost satellite takes time. Fighting back against enemy anti-satellite systems will take time, too, so even if you could put up a replacement fast, would it be a good idea while the enemy retains the ability to strike our satellites?

A solution is to be able to fight without a satellite. That doesn't mean you fight without the capabilities that a satellite provides our forces:

After six years of development, the full size version of the U.S. Air Force Global Observer UAV reconnaissance aircraft had its first test flight. With a 56.5 meter (175 foot) wingspan and four electrically powered propellers, the aircraft can stay aloft for over 160 hours (a week) while flying at 21 kilometers (65,000 feet). Carrying about 400 kg (880 pounds) of vidcams and communications gear, the one ton Global Observer uses liquid hydrogen to run a generator that powers the four props and the sensors. ...

Global Observer UAVs, costing about $40 million each, would be replacements for space satellites, as well as providing the usual "persistent" observation of terrain below.

Along with blimps that could replace communications links that satellites provide and a flying GPS backup, we would be positioned to endure an Orbital Pearl Harbor and fight back quickly.