Missile defense systems designed to intercept long-range ballistic missile outside the atmosphere during the midcourse of their trajectory have significant ASAT capabilities against satellites in low earth orbits. These satellites orbit at altitudes similar to the altitude at which the defense is designed to intercept missiles. Unlike the case of an attacking missile, the trajectory and appearance of the satellite would be known in advance and the future trajectory would be predictable. Moreover, even highly controlled intercept tests of the defense against ballistic missile targets would provide confidence that the system would work against satellites, since the information provided to the defense about the missile target in these tests is comparable to what would be available in advance about satellite targets Using interceptors against a satellite rather than against a missile warhead is also easier in that the attacker could take multiple shots at the satellite if the initial attack was not successful.

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Wright, David, Laura Grego et al. Physics of Space Security. Washington, D.C.: Union of Concerned Scientists, May 2005. [ 5 quotes ] [ page 10-11 ]