Starting with the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957, “space,” which was once the final frontier of science fiction, has become reality. Space has always been a crucial, well, “space” for scientific innovation. Just last week, the worldwide interest in the return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams showed the public’s curiosity and interest in the subject. On the anniversary of Ronald Reagan’s announcement of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), let’s explore some of the major transformations in space exploration, security, and technology.

Framed painting, entitled "Star Wars-WORLD PEACE,” gifted to President Barack Obama

President Ronald Reagan Making a Address to the Nation on National Security and Defense from the Oval Office, 1983

The race that started in the late 1950s quickly saw gigantic leaps in space exploration. On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, and America followed closely behind by launching Explorer 1 on January 31, 1958. The whole world immediately became space-crazed. From the first satellites to the first man stepping out on the moon, these achievements had important political and military ramifications, including satellite reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and communications. Other advancements included the development and testing of anti-satellite programs with names right out of a space opera, like the Bold Orion missile and Starfish Prime nuclear explosions. The peak of the space race was undoubtedly the successful Apollo XI mission, when men walked on the moon. Speaking of space sagas…

Jupiter C with Explorer I Satellite, 1959

Episode II: Reagan’s Star Wars

Announced on March 23, 1983, the modern era of U.S. military space defense began in earnest with President Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). Launched at the height of the Cold War, SDI aimed to develop a comprehensive missile defense system to protect the U.S. from nuclear attacks, primarily from the Soviet Union. The plan included space-based interceptors, laser systems, and advanced radar technologies to detect and neutralize incoming intercontinental ballistic missiles before they reached the U.S.

Nicknamed “Star Wars” by critics and the media, SDI was highly ambitious and technologically ahead of its time. Although it highly influenced later missile defense programs, SDI was never fully realized because of technological, financial, and political challenges. Nevertheless, it set the stage for future military space initiatives and demonstrated the strategic importance of space-based defense.

[Video] President Ronald Reagan's Remarks on the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) to High Level Defense Officials and Staff in the Blue Room, 1983

Episode III: Return of the Satellites

As the importance of satellites increased following the end of the Cold War, the focus of U.S. military space initiatives shifted. Systems like the Global Positioning System (GPS) were first developed for military purposes, but they also helped drive commerce and communications. With these advancements, the threat of anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons became a major concern. In 1999, the U.S. established the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), which continued to research space-based missile detection and interception.

Photos Taken At The Plenipotentiary Technology Demonstration, 1998

The Boeing Company's Delta II space launch vehicle, carrying a NAVSTAR (Navigation Satellite Timing And Ranging) GPS II-28 (Global Positioning System) satellite, sits on complex 17A awaiting liftoff, 1997

An Aries ballistic missile target is launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii, during the U.S. Navy (USN)’s and the Missile Defense Agency (MDA)’s successful flight test in the continuing development of the Sea-Based Midcourse (SMD) element of the Ballistic Missile Defense System, 2002

Episode IV: The (Space) Force Awakens

Recognizing the increasing militarization of space, the U.S. government took a historic step by creating the U.S. Space Force in December 2019. Signed into law by President Donald Trump as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, the Space Force became the first new military branch since the Air Force was established in 1947.

The Space Force’s primary mission is to organize, train, and equip forces to protect U.S. interests in space. It oversees satellite operations, missile warning systems, space surveillance, and cyber-defense related to space assets.

Space Force Flag Unveiled at White House, 2020

*Yoda Voice* Impossible to See, the Future Is

From Reagan’s “Star Wars” vision to the Space Force’s operational reality and an increasing role for private companies, America’s space initiatives have come light years from their start, and their importance will only expand as we reach further into the final frontier.

As space becomes an increasingly contested and congested domain, the U.S. military will continue to develop strategies for maintaining the U.S.’ edge in space. We can only imagine what innovations will transform the future of space defense. 

Fun Footnote: Did you know the National Archives holds the patent for many Star Wars toy figures, including the original Yoda figurine, filed in 1980 by Lucasfilm Ltd.? Now a collector’s item, this action figure was created by the Kenner Company to market the Star Wars movie The Empire Strikes Back. Learn more in a past edition of the Archives Experience newsletter >>