Star Wars Defense By Tay Thomas The Start

Star Wars Defense By: Tay Thomas

The Start of (SDI) • The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) was a proposal by U. S. President Ronald Reagan on March 23, 1983 to use ground and space-based systems to protect the United States from attack by strategic nuclear ballistic missiles. • The initiative focused on strategic defense rather than the prior strategic offense doctrine of mutual assured destruction (MAD). • the research and technologies of SDI paved the way for some antiballistic missile systems of today. • It gained the popular name Star Wars after the 1977 film by George Lucas

The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI): • The American system would destroy Soviet missiles in space before they reached their destination. • SDI would be a defensive shield to prevent enemy missiles from penetrating • One reason Soviet Union was worried because not only can an effected system prevent a first strike it can also provide protection against a retaliation strike after the enemy has been hit.

1963 - Test Ban Treaty • this ended above-ground testing of nuclear weapons. • Though France and China refused to sign, the practice of limiting tests to underground locations was ultimately accepted

Strategic Arms Limitations Talks (SALT 1) • In 1969 in Helsinki limits number of intercontinental ballistic missiles. • Both sides ultimately agreed to limit the number of launchers that they might employ. Though the limits were very high, it was a good initial step. • Unfortunately, technology ran ahead of the agreement and soon new weapons, particularly in multiple warheads, mobile launchers and cruise missiles, would cause further destabilization.

Weapons Enhancement: • The Cruise Missile • USSR and USA had them • A pilotless, small airplane with nuclear firepower • Follows an on-board computer program to get to its target • Flies at low altitude to make it invisible to radar

• Targeted and controlled by computers. • Seen in the Gulf War – pilots are not needed on board. • Technology used in tanks as well • USA the leader in this technology

Work Citied • http: //www. atomicarchive. com/History/coldwar/page 20. shtml • http: //www. coldwar. org/articles/80 s/SDI-Star. Wars. asp • http: //motherboard. vice. com/blog/obama-denied-the-death-star-but -he-still-funds-star-wars • http: //www. britannica. com/topic/Strategic-Defense-Initiative