The Strategic Defense Initiative: Program Description and Major Issues

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA477815 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The Strategic Defense Initiative SDI has prompted one of the most heated national security debates in recent times. The current debate, within the scientific and technical as well as the defense communities, has already and will likely continue to cause evolution in both program objectives and substance. This report describes the evolution, composition, and major issues of the SDI. Among the issues discussed are technical feasibility, the rate and level of funding, strategic policy and military utility, arms control, NATO Alliance reactions and involvement, technology transfer to the Soviet Union, and the militarization of space.

Author(s):
Dimaggio, Cosmo ; Manfredi, Jr., Arthur F. ; Hildreth, Steven A.
Author Organization(s):
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
Pagination:
0054

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
CRS/DC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_3.2.2_Non-Kinetic Means; JCA_5.5.1_Communicate Intent and Guidance; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_5.2.3_Share Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance; JCA_6_Net Centric
Modernization Areas:
Space
Communities of Interest:
Weapons Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*POLICIES, *STRATEGY, *COSTS, *STRATEGIC DEFENSE INITIATIVE, *DEFENSE SYSTEMS, *DIRECTED ENERGY WEAPONS, USSR, COMMUNITIES, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, FEASIBILITY STUDIES, LETHALITY, SURVEILLANCE, ARMS CONTROL, TRACKING, POLITICAL ALLIANCES, SURVIVABILITY, ACQUISITION, NATIONAL SECURITY, NATO
Field(s)/Group(s):
Defense Systems
Report Date:
1986 Jan 07
Creation Date:
2008 Mar 19