What is Missile Defence? Missile defence is a military project that aims to use satellites and rockets to identify, intercept and destroy incoming missiles. The satellites would identify the missile and then the rockets would be launched to try to shoot down the missile before it hits the intended target.
President Bush's current missile defence project, often called Star Wars after the movie, would involve equipment based on land and sea, in the air and in space, with radars and missile systems which could detect, track and destroy launched missiles.
The task of tracking, intercepting and destroying missiles is scientifically and technologically challenging. Tests attempt to intercept missiles that have been fired have had mixed success to date. So far 14 out of the 17 US interceptor tests have failed.
Click the 'play' button below, to view more images
You can see an interactive guide, which shows how missile defence is intended to work at www.guardian.co.uk/bush/flash/0,7365,434805,00.html
Alternatively, visit BBC NEWS | World | Americas | Q & A: Son of Star Wars
or Greenpeace - Stop Star Wars for a diagram of a defence missile system
Check out the Yorkshire
CND Star Wars website
You can read about the patriot Missile defence system at Patriot
Missile defence
Background to Missile Defence >> |
