Space Weapons: effect on strategic stability

Journal Article · Tue May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1984 · Bull. At. Sci.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6076690

Velikhov, Y P

Two distinct directions in space militarizaiton, the creation of anti-satellite weapons (ASAT) and the development of space-based anti-missile systems (SBAMS), are closely meshed with the problems of strategic balance and stability, as well as with prospects for substantial nuclear arms reductions. The creation of a constant threat to satellites will impair the prospects of reaching agreements on a freeze of nuclear weapons, deep reductions, and confidence in their verification. The anti-missile program would be expensive and unreliable. There are sound reasons to believe that cheaper and more effective countermeasures are available. A cooperative space program with the Soviet Union could contribute to and expedite the solution of increasingly acute global problems such as economic development, energy, resources, and ecology, and could be a basis for successful space exploration and settlement. 2 figures.

• Research Organization: Kurchatov Inst. of Atomic Energy, Moscow, USSR
• OSTI ID: 6076690
• Journal Information: Bull. At. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Bull. At. Sci.; (United States) Vol. 40:5; ISSN BASIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE
EQUIPMENT
EVALUATION
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
MILITARY EQUIPMENT
NATIONAL DEFENSE
NATIONAL SECURITY
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SATELLITES
SECURITY
SPACE WEAPONS
WEAPONS