Two decades after Ronald Reagan’s grand vision of the Star Wars program, top Air Force officials imagine a new generation of space weaponry — from high-tech microsatellites and global space planes to lethal laser beams and radio waves.

Now, the Air Force is seeking administration approval for a national-security directive that would take the United States a step closer to deploying space weapons.

Billions of dollars have already been invested and proponents believe the superiority in space means taking control of the new high-ground in global conflict and a way to prevent a future arms race. Others are not convinced.

Tune in for more on the new debate over American weapons in space.

Guests:

Tim Weiner, reporter, The New York Times

Everett Dolman, Professor of Comparative Military Studies at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies at Maxwell Air Force Base

Joan Johnson-Freese, Chair of the Department of National Security Studies at the Naval War College