Space Missiles: A Pricey Plan for the Future

A big announcement is coming. The President is ready to reveal his vision for a new space missile defense system. This isn't just any system. It's a massive project that could cost a lot of money and take a long time to build. The plan is to put weapons in space that can shoot down incoming missiles. This would be a first for the U. S. It's a big deal. One person will be in charge of making this happen. General Michael Guetlein, who is currently the vice chief of space operations, will oversee the progress. The plan involves both ground and space-based tools. These tools would work together to stop missiles at different stages of an attack. This includes before launch, during early flight, midcourse, or even in the final minutes of descent. For months, planners have been working on different options. These options range from medium to high to "extra high" based on cost. The administration chose the "high" version. This version could cost between 30 and 100 billion dollars initially. The cost depends on how many satellites and sensors are bought. This version includes space-based interceptors for the first time. The Congressional Budget Office has some numbers. They estimate that just the space-based parts of the system could cost up to 542 billion dollars over 20 years. The President has asked for 25 billion dollars initially. This money is part of a proposed tax break bill moving through Congress. Why is this system needed? The Pentagon has warned that new missiles from China and Russia are very advanced. These missiles require updated countermeasures. The new satellites and interceptors would focus on stopping these advanced missiles early or mid-flight. China and Russia have already put weapons in space. These weapons can disable U. S. satellites, making the U. S. vulnerable. The new system aims to address this threat. However, the project is still in the early stages. There's no money for it yet, and the details are still being worked out. The Pentagon is still figuring out what the system needs to do. This is unusual because new systems are usually developed with clear requirements. The Pentagon and U. S. Northern Command are drafting a document that outlines what the system will need to do. This document is important for homeland defense. The U. S. already has missile defense capabilities. These include Patriot missile batteries and satellites in orbit. Some of these existing systems will be part of the new plan. The President directed the Pentagon to pursue space-based interceptors early in his term. This new system is a result of that directive.