Real Life Death Star? DARPA to Build a U.S. Military Base in Outer Space

The stories about this make it sound like it’s going to be the Starship Enterprise, but let’s be real, this is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, so you know it’s going to be more like the Death Star.

Via iDigital Times:

Current space situational awareness technologies are outdated, as they were created when space wasn’t so crowded with objects like satellites, both new and old. This is why DARPA plans to simulate their enterprise software at a testbed in Northern Virginia first. Brad Tousley, director of DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office, which oversees Hallmark, said he envisions a system that incorporates an intuitive user interface with 3-D visualizations.

In a 40-page proposal outlining the purpose of the $16 million dollar program, DARPA clearly asserts their intentions to gain an intergalactic strategic advantage. “Space is increasingly important as a domain of strategic interest; however, nations and geo-political entities are developing the ability to exploit potential vulnerabilities and threaten U.S. freedom of action in space.”

The threat of an impending satellite war is most likely the driving force behind the demand for space innovation.

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