Space Development: The Strategic Implications

Space Based Industries will be stimulated by the development of the Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD). The BMD will require a space logistics capability far in excess of what the Space Shuttle can provide. This increased logistics base will aid Space Based Industries to grow by providing low cost work areas, transportation, and raw supplies. In return these industries will develop manufacturing in space. This will lead to using off-earth resources, the moon and the asteroids, and eventually to the building of self-sufficient space settlements. These space settlements will in turn be of significant military importance. This paper consists of my own engineering estimates based on simple calculations and is not the official Air Force assessment. It is assumed that the laser becomes the key element in President Reagan\u27s proposed Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD)