G5: Defending Against Nuclear Attack
February 25, 2020 · 2:00-4:00 pm
Description: For decades American scientists have been working on missile defense technology with the aim of creating a reliable shield for the U.S. homeland. The Missile Defense Agency is the section of the United States government's Department of Defense responsible for developing a layered defense against ballistic missiles. Our national missile defense system consists of several components. The Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) is designed to intercept a small number of nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in space, using ground-based interceptor missiles launched from within the United States. The Aegis Ballistic (AB) Missile Defense System is a ship-based system which utilizes surface-to-air missiles capable of intercepting an incoming warhead in its terminal (final) phase. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) is a program of the US Army, utilizing ground-based interceptor missiles which can intercept missiles in the upper part of the atmosphere and outside the atmosphere. In total, the U.S. missile defense system encompasses a global network with 24-hour surveillance by land-, sea- and space-based sensors, all of which are constantly looking for signs of anything amiss in North Korea. Regional missile interceptors are deployed in Japan, South Korea, Guam, and on U.S. Navy ships, while military bases in Alaska and California are equipped to intercept a missile headed toward the United States.
Purpose: Learn about our national missile defense system including how effective it would be in responding to an incoming nuclear attack
Facilitator: Craig Korkoian |
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