Abstract :
The present status and possible future course of the Strategic Defense Initiative are described. The present proposal, which calls for four types of space-borne and ground-based sensors to track hostile missiles and their warheads throughout their half-hour trajectory, is discussed. Also examined are the boost-phase system for space-based interception, survivability of the entire system, distinguishing warheads, and software and algorithms. The prospect for further advances and the hard choices faced by the Bush administration are considered.<>
Keywords :
detectors; ground support systems; missiles; Strategic Defense Initiative; boost-phase system; ground-based sensors; hostile missile tracking; space-based interception; space-borne sensors; survivability; warheads; Costs; Incineration; Missiles; Poles and towers; Proposals; Rockets; Satellite broadcasting; Space technology; TV; Testing;
