Missile Defenses as Anti-Satellite Weapons

Missile Defenses as Anti-Satellite Weapons

Speaker: Grego, L. (Union of Concerned Scientists)

Date: 1 June 2018

Speaker Session Preview

SMA hosted a speaker session presented by Dr. Laura Grego (Union of Concerned Scientists) as a part of its SMA Space Speaker Series. Dr. Grego first outlined the various types of missile defenses and explained that “because long-range ballistic missiles travel at speeds and altitudes comparable to those of satellites, missile defense systems designed to target them have inherent capabilities as ASAT weapons.” She then talked about two forms of kinetic energy interceptors and stated that existing US ground- and sea-based missile defense systems are “projected to grow significantly within the next decade and will, in theory, be able hold at risk nearly all Chinese and Russian satellites in low-earth orbits, which has serious implications for stability and security in space.” To conclude the session, Dr. Grego discussed potential solutions and strategies to diminish the problematic effects of missile defense development.

Speaker Session Audio File

To receive the slides for this presentation, please email Ms. Nicole Omundson (nomundson@nsiteam.com).

Download Dr. Grego’s biography