U.S. Air Force Global Positioning System satellite (AP)
Arming Space Story aired: Wednesday, May 25, 2005
The U.S. Air Force wants White House approval to put weapons in space. Not just defensive weapons, but offensive ones capable of attacking anywhere on earth in less than an hour.
For years, the Air Force space command has been researching weapons such as the so-called "rods from god," and a system of killer lasers and mirrors.
The White House is expected to issue a new directive in the next few weeks, and it may give the Air Force the green light to move forward with ambitious plans to arm space.
Dr. Joan Johnson-Freese is chair of the department of national security decision-making at the Naval War College in Newport Rhode Island. She is also the author of the forthcoming book, "Heavenly Ambitions," which details the military's move into space.
Click the listen link to hear Dr. Johnson-Freese's conversation about arming space with Robin Young.
Guests:
Dr. Joan Johnson-Freese, Naval War College in Newport Rhode Island.
