The need to clandestinely conduct illicit anti-satellite programs would impose substantial constraints on the functionality of the systems. Adversaries would have little confidence in ASATs that have not been tested, given the abysmal record of Soviet and U.S. ASAT tests. The most basic ASAT systems need to be distributed in multiple locations to attack satellites in different orbital planes -- but too many interceptor sites would increase the risk of detection. Lewis, Jeffrey. "Rumsfeld Aims for the Stars: An Arms Control Alternative to the Pentagon's Plans in Space." Georgetown Journal of International Affairs. (Winter/Spring 2002). [ 6 quotes ] [ page 116 ]
The need to clandestinely conduct illicit anti-satellite programs would impose substantial constraints on the functionality of the systems. Adversaries would have little confidence in ASATs that have not been tested, given the abysmal record of Soviet and U.S. ASAT tests. The most basic ASAT systems need to be distributed in multiple locations to attack satellites in different orbital planes -- but too many interceptor sites would increase the risk of detection.