Star Wars (Strategic Defense Initiative)

The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), commonly known as "Star Wars," was a proposed U.S. defense program announced by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. Its goal was to develop advanced technologies to protect the country from nuclear missile attacks, primarily by using ground-based and space-based systems to detect and intercept incoming missiles. The initiative aimed to create a shield that could prevent a nuclear strike, reducing reliance on traditional retaliation. While it stirred debate over its feasibility and cost, many of the technologies explored influenced later missile defense programs. The SDI ultimately never became fully operational.