Ron Wanttaja wrote:

Conceivably, the laser stations could be space-based. An IR laser at the
right frequencies would be absorbed by the atmosphere if it missed the
target and not affect things on the ground...though the urge to write your
name on mountain snowbanks might be irresistible. :-)

Oy. Lends a whole 'nother spin to "writ large". :-)

Russell Kent