Subtly underlying all of this is a striking similarity between nuclear weapons and space weapons which helps inform current space strategy. The intrinsic quality common to both nuclear missile systems and many space weapons is that their mere presence or deployment generates an offensive omnipresence which puts others under a state of constant threat. Admittedly, the special destructive power and status of nuclear weapons does not easily lend itself to direct comparison with other means of applying combat power. However, the common effect created by the constant presence of an orbiting weapons platform is, indeed, highly similar to that created by nuclear missiles, giving the case studies an extra measure of informative power for the development, consideration, and implementation of us space strategy.

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Coffelt, Christopher A. The Best Defense: Charting the Future of US Space Strategy and Policy. Maxwell AFB, AL: USAF Air University, June 2005. [ 11 quotes ] [ page 71 ]