karn (04/28/83)
The general public doesn't seem to be aware that the X-ray laser, perhaps the most "practical" space-based ABM device, is a nuclear weapon itself. Just testing this device would violate the few remaining unbroken nuclear treaties between the US and USSR, and the resulting EMP could be quite a problem. Without thorough testing, how do we dismantle our ICBMs secure in the knowledge that we're safe from attack? As engineers, we are often accused of seeking purely technological solutions to the world's problems. I admit to thinking that many problems indeed have technical solutions, but stopping the nuclear arms race is an exception. Except for verification technology, most of which already exists, the solution is largely political. I support a strong space program, but only if it's a peaceful scientific and/or commercial endeavor. Phil