First ‘Star Wars’ Space Tests Seen by 1987

The first space testing of “Star Wars” anti-missile technology could take place by 1987, two years earlier than first planned, an authoritative aerospace magazine says.

Aviation Week and Space Technology quoted Lt. Gen. James Abrahamson, director of President Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative, as saying that a new plan calls for two tests annually starting in 1987 aboard NASA’s space shuttle.

The magazine said in its current issue that Abrahamson, who previously headed the space shuttle program, wants to begin using shuttles earlier than first planned “to have a better-paced technology development.”

When asked for comment, a Defense Department spokesman said: “We can offer no elaboration at this time.”

The report said initial tests using a shuttle will involve development of pointing and tracking technology.