Space Weapons: effect on strategic stability
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
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