The U.S. would gain economically, strategically, and militarily from deploying space weapons.
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The sway of major powers historically has regulated world stability. It follows that influential countries that support the rule of law and the right of all states to use orbits for nonaggressive purposes would help ensure stability in the age of satellites. The world is not more stable, in other words, if countries like the United States, a standard-bearer for such ideas, "do nothing." Washington's deterrence and engagement strategies would assume new dimensions with the added influence of space weapons, the presence of which could help bolster peacemaking diplomacy and prevent aggression on earth or in space. Lambakis, Steven. "Space Weapons: Refuting the Critics." Policy Review. (February 2001). [ 11 quotes ] [ page 5-6 ]
With the right mix of intellectual firepower and political muscle, the United States could achieve what Dolman calls "hegemonic control" of space. The goal would be to make the heavens safe for capitalism and science while also protecting the national security of the United States. "Only those spacecraft that provide advance notice of their mission and flight plan would be permitted in space," writes Dolman. ( More ... ) Miller, John J. "Our Next Manifest Destiny." National Review. Vol. 54, No. 13 (July 15, 2002): 35-7. [ 2 quotes ]
The direct benefits to the United States of implementing space weapons are clear. Not only can space weapons be the primary tool for information warfare, they can also provide an increased capability for stopping “potential aggressors more effectively, with less collateral damage, compared to conventional arms.” However, the United States also stands to gain indirect benefits from achieving space dominance. It is possible that U.S. efforts to achieve space weaponization primacy would prevent an arms race in space before it ever starts by establishing “a globally dominant, stabilizing force in space.” Also, a space-based weapons system could be the basis of a stabilizing cooperative security regime in outer space that abides by agreed upon rules of the road. Park, Andrew T. "Incremental Steps for Achieving Space Security: The Need for a New Way of Thinking to Enhance the Legal Regime for Space." Houston Journal of International Law. Vol. 28, No. 3 (2006): 871-911. [ 11 quotes ] [ page 900 ]