U.S. Senator: Put Missile Interceptors in Space
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The next step in the U.S. missile defense system should be a space-based layer of protection, said Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colo.
"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," Allard said during remarks at the first day of the 24th annual National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs.
Allard told reporters later that such a system make sense in the post-Cold War era where small, well-funded groups scattered around the globe might launch a missile.
"I think this makes more sense than going back into the 'assured mutual destruction' mentality of times gone by," he said. "This is not anything like the Star Wars."
Such a system would add to the integrated missile defense system, not replace any existing segment.
In tough budget times, however, it is likely that a space-based system would come at the cost of another budget line.
The current White House budget proposal includes $10 million for a space test bed for the Missile Defense Agency. Allard said it will largely be up to the next administration to push such a program under increasing budget pressure.
"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," he said.
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