Next Big Future:
The US Congress wants the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to rapidly develop and demonstrate a boost-phase ICBM (and hypersonic weapon) intercept capability as soon as practicable. Space-based laser weapons technology is one of the options.
The DARPA High Energy Liquid Laser Area Defense System (HELLADS) fourth phase is a ground-based laser weapon system demonstrator with an approximate average power of 150 kW. One of the goals is to make lasers lighter and more compact. The goal is 5 kg per kW. The High Energy Liquid Laser Area Defence System (HELLADS) will weigh just 750 kilograms and fit into a space about the size of a large refrigerator.
Dr. Michael Griffin undersecretary of defense for Research and Engineering indicates that the US will have 100-kilowatt-class weapons on Army vehicles, 300-kilowatt-class weapons on Air Force tankers and megawatt-class directed energy weapons in space for space defense within the next decade.
