A Vision for Space

New initiatives are needed by the U.S to maintain a strong space program, inclouding the develop of the moon. This program will help the U.S. to build a missile defense system in space. Key Words: Ballistic missile defense, Brilliant Pebbles, Space Based Laser, space transportation, heavy lift booster, the moon, water on the moon. Our vision for space has changed since Wernher von Braun led the space program and Apollo moonshot.1 The growth of computers, development of sophisticated infrared, radar, and optical sensors, and innovative use of satellite networks have created new roles for space, especially in telecommunications. But one essential element is missing: the pioneer with the vision, passion, and understanding to develop space. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon's surface. But since then, more than 25 years ago, man has yet to return to the moon. In spite of the discovery of water on the moon, greatly simplifying the development and operation of a manned lunar base, the United States has yet to send a man back to the moon.2 We need a vision for space with new horizons, including man in space. A vision for space will help the United States keep ahead of Russia, China, Europe, Japan, and India, who are actively challenging American leadership.3 A vision for space can lead to a surge of technological and scientific progress, benefiting the U.S. economy and military with long-term improvements in basic technological infrastructure. A vision for space will develop manned bases on the moon.4 A vision for space will build various two-stage reusable rocket and Single Stage To Orbit designs to dramatically cut the cost of space launches.5 The economic and military implications of a Single Stage To Orbit (or two-stage reusable rocket) - lower launch costs - are enormous. It will open wide the door to space. A vision for space would exploit the technological advantages of deploying ballistic missile defenses in space to meet the growing threat of intermediate and long range ballistic missiles. In March 1999, the House and Senate, recognizing the growing threat of long range ballistic missiles, voted overwhelmingly for deploying a national missile defense.6 Strategy for Space There is an essential link between space programs and defense.7 The German V-2 rocket spawned the American and Russian ballistic missile and space programs. The linkage between space and defense extends to the deployment of ballistic missile defenses in space. There are inherent advantages to deploying ballistic missile defenses in space: automated operation; continuous, global coverage; higher position compared to ground based defenses or a boosting rocket; long lines of sight especially for high energy lasers; and a boost phase defense capability, which ground-based defenses lack. A strong space program will deploy ballistic missile defenses in space to control space.8 A strong space program will also result in spin-offs assisting the deployment of ballistic missile defenses. Improved space launch capabilities such as a heavy lift booster, and faster turnaround at spaceports are key ingredients for a strong space program and the deployment of ballistic missile defenses in space. A strong space program will require the means to defend itself, lending itself to develop ways to control space, including the destruction of satellites and rocket boosters. The ability to control space, essential for a strong space program, will also provide means for intercepting long range ballistic missiles. The current administration, adverse to deploying ballistic missile defenses in space, is also critical of developing the means to control space. John Hamre, an administration spokesman, is emphatic about not developing ways to control space by intercepting rocket boosters or destroying satellites, seeking instead "soft" solutions, relying on the disruption of satellite communication links. …