On Feb. 20, the USS Lake Erie successfully shot down USA-193, an ailing spy satellite, using a modified anti-ballistic missile interceptor. The shot was not directed at any specific country, but some have suggested it was in response to the Chinese destruction of one of their own satellites 13 months prior. Missile defense as a foothold in space warfare is no longer a theoretical ambiguity. This show of anti-satellite force was a costly mistake if it only serves to instigate or accelerate an arms race in space. However, the United States has an opportunity to forestall the space arms race, and build a more stable space security regime.
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