U.S. May Use Space Station for ‘Star Wars’

In a policy reversal that could upset America’s partners in the space station, the Defense Department reportedly has decided it may want to use the $8-billion facility for “Star Wars” research.

In soliciting participation by other countries in the station over the last two years, National Aeronautics and Space Administration and State Department officials have played down military uses and stressed its operation as a research laboratory for government and industry.

In congressional hearings, Defense Department witnesses have disavowed any interest in using the station. But that may have changed.

Pentagon Update Planned

The Pentagon is drawing up an “update of our space policy,” and Defense Secretary Caspar W. Weinberger plans to issue it soon, said a Defense Department official who asked not to be identified by name.

“The space station we are talking about is a system that is going to be in space functioning for 30-odd years, probably more,” he said. “Is it out of the question that during that period of time, important national security functions both in defense and intelligence might find a use for such a national asset?”

Aviation Week and Space Technology, the industry magazine, says in its Dec. 22 issue that the next round of station negotiations with international partners will be postponed “until the U.S. can develop a new negotiating position to ensure that Defense Department participation cannot be vetoed by Europe, Japan or Canada once the facility is operational.”