Billion Bucks for Space Weaponry?

DefenseTech.org
Mar. 07, 2006

Most of the programs aren't space weapons themselves; they're more like building blocks, which could be used in orbit for many things, including weaponry. But still, it's pretty stunning to read that money for these potential "dual-use" space projects tops a billion dollars in the Pentagon's latest budget request. That's a $700 million increase from last year, according to a new study from the Center for Defense Information and the Henry L. Stimson Center.

Money for satellite jammers and other "counterspace systems" jumps from $29.1 to $47.3 million. Money for the "Multiple Kill Vehicle," which the study describes as the "preferred interceptor for a space based missile defense," shoots up $137 million dollars, to $220 million.

And that's just in the unclassified world. The "black" projects which could lead to space weapons add up to nearly $1.7 billion, up more than $400 million from the year before.

UPDATE 4:26 PM: Check out this Space Review story, on how start-ups are getting in on the military space game.