Alternatives for Boost-Phase Missile Defense

A prominent part of the Bush Admin.'s strategy for nat. defense is developing & fielding defenses against ballistic missiles. To that end, the DoD Missile Defense Agency is pursuing a layered defense composed of various systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles at different points in their flight. This study looks at technical, operational, & cost issues related to using a boost-phase intercept (BPI) system to defend the U.S. against intercontinental ballistic missiles. The study compares the strengths, weaknesses, & costs of 5 alternative designs for a BPI system -- 3 surface-based & 2 space-based -- that span a range of performance characteristics. This study makes no recommendations. Illustrations.Eakin, Douglas Holtz is the author of 'Alternatives for Boost-Phase Missile Defense', published 2004 under ISBN 9780756744274 and ISBN 075674427X.