Who Has the Upper Hand?

As the two superpowers consider talks about controlling weapons in space, the question arises: Which side is ahead? In antisatellite (ASAT) technology, the Soviet Union already has a crude ground-launched system that can destroy satellites orbiting at relatively low altitudes. But the U.S. is on the verge of developing a far superior system. As for the Star Wars idea of using ASAT technology as part of a ballistic-missile defense that would attempt to intercept enemy missiles before they can deliver their nuclear payloads, the U.S. has a solid lead in the infrared guidance...