根据新的国防部的估计,高能激光武器技术业已发展到在空间基地能用化学激光器摧毁处在主动段的弹道导弹。 空间基地激光武器性能的向前推进正促使美国重新安排它的激光武器发展计划,并且五角大楼将立即着手制定空间激光作战站运行所需要的各种系统。 直到最近,激光计划的重点还放在近期应用上如舰只的点防御,用于拦截低飞（接近海平面）导弹和攻击飞机;野战部队的空防以及保卫巨型轰炸机免受空对空和地对空导弹的攻击。 According to estimates by the new Department of Defense, high-energy laser weapons technology has been developed to destroy chemical weapons in ballistic-based ballistic missiles in the active segment. The advancement of space-based laser weaponry is prompting the United States to reschedule its laser weapon development program and the Pentagon will immediately begin to develop the various systems needed to operate a space laser combat station. Until recently, the laser program was also focused on recent applications such as point-of-ship defenses to intercept low-flying (near-sea level) missiles and attack aircraft; field defense of air units and defending giant bombers from air-to-air and ground Surface to air missile attack.