Congress, Obama: Don't Start an Arms Race in Space

By removing the word "limited" from in front of the phrase "missile defense" in the National Defense Authorization Act [NDAA], Congress is laying the groundwork for a costly effort to field space-based weaponry, the Los Angeles Times reports. Experts say the changes could aggravate tensions with Russia and China and prompt a renewed nuclear arms race. The bill awaits action by President Obama, who has not said what he will do. Leading defense scientists say the idea that a space-based system could provide security against nuclear attack is fantasy. [1]

“It defies the laws of physics and is not based on science of any kind,” says David Montague, retired president of missile systems for Lockheed and co-chair of a National Academy of Sciences panel that studied missile defense technologies. “Even if we darken the sky with hundreds or thousands of satellites and interceptors, there’s no way to ensure against a dedicated attack. So it’s an opportunity to waste a prodigious amount of money.” He calls the provisions passed by Congress “insanity, pure and simple.” [2]

Philip Coyle, former assistant secretary of Defense who headed the Pentagon office responsible for testing and evaluating weapon systems, describes the notion of a space-based nuclear shield as a sham. “To do this would cost just gazillions and gazillions,” Coyle says. “The technology isn’t at hand - nor is the money…Both Russia and China will use it as an excuse to do something that they want to do.” [3]

Press President Obama and Congress to oppose a new arms race in space by signing our petition.

References:
1. http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-missile-defense-unlimited-20161221-snap-20161221-story.html
2. http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-missile-defense-unlimited-20161221-snap-20161221-story.html
3. http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-missile-defense-unlimited-20161221-snap-20161221-story.html