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Chapter 15 of 34Space & aerospace7 min read · 2 exhibits

Space-Based Interceptors: Physics and Cost

How many interceptors would orbit, and what would they cost?

Chapter summary

Satellites in low orbit move constantly: for each interceptor within reach of a launch, a hundred or more are elsewhere.

Key takeaways

  1. 1

    APS (2003): over 1,600 interceptors for one solid-fuel North Korean ICBM.

  2. 2

    CBO (2025): $161–542B over 20 years for a regional threat.

  3. 3

    12 firms hold prototypes; the director says the layer may be dropped.

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