Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies Center for International Security and Cooperation Stanford University


Publications




Boost-Phase Missile Defense Debate Continues

Commentary

Author
Dean Wilkening - Senior Research Scientist at CISAC

Published by
Physics Today, Vol. 57 no. 7, page(s) 13-14
July 2004


The article by Daniel Kleppner, Frederick Lamb, and David Mosher (Physics Today, January 2004, page 30) summarizes the results of the excellent American Physical Society study released in July 2003 on boost-phase options for national missile defense. The study represents one of the most authoritative analyses to date on the subject and will enhance the quality of the public debate on missile defense for years to come. However, although I agree with many of the study's conclusions, the overall assessment is somewhat pessimistic, especially with respect to the feasibility of intercepting solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missiles.