Force application from space will give a new meaning to responsiveness and lethality in global attack and precision engagement. It will revolutionize the way the United States projects military power because it will allow the application of force against any target on the face of the earth through space. From a robust space-based laser system, or a ground-based system transiting space, the US will have the capability to conduct a strategic air campaign on the order of Desert Storm in a matter of minutes without the need for deploying forces. By extension, the capability will also exist to conduct an interdiction campaign without the need to deploy forces.

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Bell, Thomas D. Weaponization of Space: Understanding Strategic and Technological Inevitabilities.. Maxwell AFB, AL: USAF Air University, January 1999. [ 2 quotes ]