Report To Congress: Conceptual and Burden Sharing Issues Related to Space-Based Ballistic Missile Defense Interceptors.

Abstract

In compliance with the Missile Defense Act of 1991 (MDA), this report addresses "the conceptual and burden sharing issues associated with the option of deploying space-based interceptors (including Brilliant Pebbles) for the purpose of providing global defenses against ballistic missile attacks." These issues are best addressed in the context of the redirection of the SDI program, which reflects the recent dramatic changes in the international environment and emerging bipartisan support for developing and deploying effective defenses against limited ballistic missile strikes, whatever their source. The positive changes in the U.S. relationship with the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union and the fundamental changes in Eastern Europe have markedly reduced the danger of a war in Europe that could escalate to the strategic nuclear level. Nevertheless, the threats posed by an accidental or unauthorized launch and by the proliferation of ballistic missiles have continued to increase.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA344968

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Department of Defense

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anti-Ballistic Missiles
  • Apogees
  • Arms Control
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Countermeasures
  • Defense Systems
  • Earth Orbits
  • Eastern Europe
  • Europe
  • Ground Based
  • National Security
  • Space Based
  • Teamwork
  • Theater Ballistic Missiles
  • Treaties
  • Ussr
  • Weapons Of Mass Destruction

Readers

  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Space