Directed energy missile defense in space

Current concepts for directed-energy ballistic missile defense in space are described and assessed. Its purpose is to provide Members of Congress, their staffs, and the public with a readable introduction to the so-called Star Wars technologies that some suggest might form the basis of a future nationwide defense against Soviet nuclear ballistic missiles. Since these technologies are a relatively new focus for U.S. missile defense efforts, little information about them has been readily available outside the expert community.