Along with ballistic missile defense, the use of lasers in space has been contemplated as mechanisms to destroy satellites. Because military forces have started to use satellites for communications and observation, "it is inevitable that ways to destroy those satellites will be sought. And ways to defend them, as well." Evidence of the interest in ASATS was demonstrated in the recent United States' test firing of a laser aimed at an Air Force satellite positioned in outer space. The United States is not alone in the development of such systems. Many nations, including China and perhaps Iraq are currently developing laser anti-satellite systems. According to a National Security Council arms control specialist, "between twenty and thirty nations have ground-based lasers capable of putting directed energy into space."

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Schlie, Kimberly M. "Developing and Deploying Laser Weaponry in Space: Is it Legal?." DePaul International Law Journal. Vol. 4 (Winter 2000). [ 1 reference ]