Space Weapons: Not Yet

In this paper I attempt to sketch the utility of space weaponry, primarily from the point of view of the United States. In this I draw upon the excellent RAND book, “Space Weapons, Earth Wars.” That study was commissioned by LGen Roger DeKok, DCS Plans and Programs, HQ USAF. I am guided also by the views expressed in presentations and discussions of which I am aware over the past year . But these are my own judgments, which will be refined by the interactions at this Pugwash session. I come to this study from a background of 40 years as scientist and manager with the IBM Research Divis ion, and more than 50 years of involvement with the US Government’s national security programs, beginning with the development and testing of nuclear weapons, and extending to missiles and space. The US Space Commission Report cited several needs for space-weapon capability: 1. Defensive Counter-space: To reduce US military space vulnerability. 2. Offensive Counter-space: To deny the use of space and space assets to adversaries 3. Rapid and global power projection to earth.