Origins of the Strategic Defense Initiative: Ballistic Missile Defense, 1944-1983. Final report

Technical Report · Thu Nov 30 23:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:5924027

Baucom, D R

America's ballistic missile defense program may be said to have its roots in the V-2 attacks on London in 1944. This document traces the development of antiballistic missile defense policy from the V-2 attacks up to President Reagan's 1983 speech announcing the new strategic defense initiative. The history follows the policy debates from the NIKE-X, SALT I and SALT II, the ABM Treaty, and SAFEGUARD through research and development innovations in the areas of computers, optical sensors, interceptors, and directed energy weapons. The emergence of political organizations and individuals who either opposed or championed ballistic missile defense is also included.

• Research Organization: Strategic Defense Initiative Organization, Washington, DC (United States)
• OSTI ID: 5924027
• Report Number(s): AD-A-242465/3/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290000 -- Energy Planning & Policy
350000* -- Arms Control-- (1987-)
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450500 -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Strategic Defense Initiative-- (1990-)
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE
COMPUTERS
DIRECTED-ENERGY WEAPONS
HISTORICAL ASPECTS
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
MISSILES
NATIONAL DEFENSE
POLITICAL ASPECTS
SALT TALKS
TREATIES
WEAPONS