April 9, 2008 :: Defense News :: News
Speaking at this week's 24th Annual National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Senator Wayne Allard of Colorado argued that the next logical phase of U.S. missile defense ought to be interceptors in earth orbit.
A layer of space-based interceptors would enable a global on-call missile defense capability that could produce a timely response to rapidly evolving situations and would enable the U.S. to be prepared for all types of threats that could develop out of unpredictable locations.
In his remarks, Allard explained that this kind of layered missile defense is more appropriate in the post-Cold War era during which small terrorist groups and rogue nations are able to launch missiles around the world. The implementation of such a program, Allard said, would provide an extra layer of defense rather than replace existing segments. "This makes more sense than going back into the 'assured mutual destruction' mentality of times gone by."
The current White House budget for a space test bed for missile defense for the Missile Defense Agency is set at $10 million. Allard warned that the incoming administration will need to campaign aggressively in order to keep the possibility of a space test bed alive.
The next administration will have to choose which direction to take and which way it wants to go: continue the trend demonstrated by the 110th Congress of prioritizing near-term projects at the expense of future projects, or invest in a comprehensive long-term goal such as space-based interceptors that would be able to reach targets more rapidly and are capable of destroying enemy missiles in the boost phase.
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