ABSTRACT
The evolutionary trend of ballistic missile defence (BMD) from a ground-based mode to higher and higher altitudes is discussed. Then, making the final leap to a BMD in the Earth’s orbit (a weapon development driven by tremendous technical forces), a case is made for the possible desirability of such a system. The key concept is that it not be done unilaterally but as jointly constructed US/USSR orbital battle stations staffed by crews selected world-wide. This paper advocates the creation of a space patrol, charged with the single task of preventing intercontinental ballistic missile warfare. It is argued that only through such a radically new arms control idea can the imaginations of all of the populations of the Earth be captured (along with their enthusiastic support).
