Space War

by David Ritchie

A report on the military uses of outer space and traces the historical development of space technology

Genres: History

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1983

Reviews

[Vladivostok · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though the contents of this book are allegedly sourced from numerous reputable trade publications, the clandestine nature of space militarization makes it virtually impossible to discern which of its claims are legitimate and which are fanciful speculation. Furthermore, the governmental assertions made during the cold war were ostensibly hyperbolic if not outright propaganda. Statements like the following, wherein the author ruminates on the Chinese foray into rocketry and space exploration in the 70s, are proof of this and nearly laughable: "Thus, long-range missiles in Chinese possession seemed likely to pose a serious threat to world peace." World peace in the 60s and 70s you say? Now THAT really activates the almonds. Anyway....according to this book the US government has been researching particle beam space weapons since the 60s, so I think it's safe to assume that there's a fully functioning Death Star floating above my head at any given time.

[Guillermo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good contemporary account of space weapons and what a potential war in space would look like-especially in the 80s. Lots of "allegedly" and "in the future" but does give a decent survey of little known extraterrestrial weapons and is worth a dive and to be included in a Space Race library.