The technical viability of "Star Wars" has also come into question after multiple test failures and allegations that aerospace corporations attempted to cover-up or minimize the system's malfunctions. Before becoming the Bush administration's secretary of defense, Donald Rumsfeld chaired the commission to assess U.S. national security space management. Hinting at a long range plan going far beyond mere missile defense, the Rumsfeld Commission advocated that America embark on a comprehensive program to establish military superiority in outer space.

Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with investigative journalist Karl Grossman, who examines the drive to build a national missile defense system and the danger that it will undermine global and regional strategic balance and stability.

Contact the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space at (352) 337-9274 or visit their Web site at www.space4peace.org

Related articles and interviews

• "Bush Eager to Launch New Arms Race in the Heavens & on Earth" Between The Lines Q&A, transcript of Karl Grossman interview, released Feb. 19, 2001.
• Report of the Commission to Assess United States National Security, Space Management and Organization, or the Rumsfeld Commission Report. (http://www.space.gov/commission/report.htm)
• U.S. Space Command Web site
• "Test failure not likely to deter Democrats and GOP from pushing National Missile Defense System" Between The Lines interview with Tom Collina, arms control and international security program director with the Union of Concerned Scientists, July 21, 2000. 
• "Criticism Mounting Against U.S. Missile Plan" Between The Lines interview with Bruce Gagnon, coordinator of the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space, June 30, 2000.
• Between The Lines interview with Rear Admiral Eugene Carroll, Center for Defense Information, Feb. 2, 2000. He describes who will benefit politically and economically from the deployment of the National Missile Defense system.