In response to yesterday’s Op-Ed piece by Michael O’Hanlon titled “A Space Weapons Race is No the Answer for America”. Two points have to be cleared up.

First Mr. O’Hanlon states “most US satellites are not vulnerable to attack today nor are they likely to be in the year ahead”. This incorrect statement implies that we should find some sort of comfort that our satellites can’t be blow up today or tomorrow. Even if the statement of his opinion were indeed a fact, military thinkers would certainly consider it only a matter of time before the Chinese potential could be realized as China has now conquered the technological know-how. It would be irresponsible to wait for China to be blowing up all sorts of satellites before we prepare.

Secondly, Mr. O’Hanlon states “the Chinese anti-satellite test does put lower-altitude reconnaissance systems in greater jeopardy, but not higher-altitude communications and targeting satellites.” This is false. The fact of the matter is the Chinese blew a satellite that stands 530 miles above the earth’s surface. That is actually higher than all US military and communications satellites – which are, according to Union of Concerned Scientists, no more than 525 miles above earth.