Space weapons: history and current debate. [Contains glossary]

Two types of concerns about space weaponry are those connected with anti-satellite capabilities and activities (ASAT) and those connected with global defense against ballistic missiles. The authors survey these topics and their important but limited interaction. They conclude that an effective ban on anti-satellite activities and capabilities and on weapons in space would best serve the national security interests of the United States. They believe an effective ban is feasible and possible to negotiate quickly if we start with the Soviet draft of 1983, which is presumably acceptable to the Soviet Union. The proposed agreement would reinforce the constraints of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, but would allow continued theoretical and laboratory research. 4 references, 1 figure.