Part 12/16:
- Potential orbiting interceptors to counter highly maneuverable hypersonic weapons that defy traditional missile defense.
Supporters suggest that such a system could revolutionize US defense capabilities. Critics, however, point out the formidable technical and logistical challenges, including the reliability and cost of deploying and maintaining vast satellite networks and directed energy systems.
China’s reaction was predictably hostile, accusing the US of weaponizing space. Ben Taliblau argues that China and Russia perceive space dominance as vital to their national security, and US efforts to boost space-based missile defenses could intensify an arms race in space.