Offensive Capabilities of Space-Based Lasers

Abstract

'Certainly, there should be a better way to strengthen peace and stability, a way to move away from a future that relies so heavily on the prospect of rapid and massive nuclear retaliation and toward greater reliance on defensive systems which threaten no one.' (President R. Reagan, Jan. 1985)1 'It is ironic and paradoxical that the age of deterrence has so confused the strategic mentality of many commentators that their reaction to a purely defensive system is to suggest that it increases danger.' (Z. Brzezinski, National Security Advisor under President Carter, July 1984)2 'What I want is a radar surveillance system which allows you to spot everything that's moving, either on the surface or above the surface of the earth. And if we had a number of companion systems, a high-energy laser, or particle beam weapon, or something else along with the pointing and tracking ability to knock down airplanes and missiles, then you wouldn't even need to knock out cities; you would knock out forces. You could pin your enemy down on earth. What would they do? If I control the high ground and you can't move, what are you going to do? You're going to negotiate a surrender. That's what it's all about.' (Gen. (Ret.) B. Schriever, who formulated the transition report on space policy when Reagan took office in 1980/81)3