January 9, 2019 2:01 PM EDT
An updated version of the UCS Satellite Database has been posted. Including launches and deactivations through November 30, 2018, the Database includes information on about 1,957 active satellites. That is 71 more than our previous release last July. Read more >
August 22, 2018 12:19 PM EDT
UPDATE: In September 2018, UCS released an animated feature and video that explains how space-based missile defense works. Check it out here.
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The idea of space-based missile defense system has been around for more than 30 years. There are at least two reasons for its continuing appeal. Read More
August 10, 2018 7:41 AM EDT
UPDATE: In September 2018, UCS released an animated feature and video that explains how space-based missile defense works. Check it out here.
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Articles citing a classified 2011 report by the Institute for Defense Analysis (IDA) have mistakenly suggested the report finds that a constellation of only 24 satellites can be used for space-based boost-phase missile defense. Read More
August 10, 2018 7:40 AM EDT
Part 1 of this post discusses one aspect of the 2011 letter from Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to then-Senator Kyl about the IDA study of space-based missile defense. The letter raises several additional issues, which I comment on here. Read more >
June 22, 2018 11:56 AM EDT
This week, President Trump verbally directed General Dunford, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, “to begin the process necessary to establish a Space Force as the sixth branch of the armed forces.”
The term “Space Force” really got everyone’s attention. Obviously, everyone wants to know what the uniform would be. And the whole idea is built for memes.
What’s it all about? Let me respond to three different kinds of questions I’ve been hearing about this. Read more >
