How the Missile Defense Agency wasted $231 million on a satellite system

For four years, starting from 2009, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency spent $231 million trying to develop a new-class of space satellites that would detect missile launches and track warheads in flight with great precision.

Source : MDA

An investigation by Los Angeles Times has revealed why the Precision Tracking Space System would never have worked.

Critics say the concept should not have proceeded beyond a study.

Proponents said only 12 satellites are needed to deter ballistic missiles fired by Iran or North Korea, but a panel of experts later found that at least 24 satellites are needed as the constellations altitude created a blind spot that misses missiles coming from the North Pole.

[thumb]http://graphics.latimes.com/missile-defense-satellite/[/thumb]