Under the narrow interpretation of the treaty, space-based testing of anti-missile weapons or their components is prohibited.

Under the traditional interpetation, space-based testing of anti-missile weapons or their components would be prohibited.

Hundreds of such generators might be needed to power a system of anti-missile weapons.

But stocks of anti-missile weapons are low as the Race already expended many to shoot down German missiles.

Experts felt that the advent of computer chips and precision guidance promised to endow anti-missile weapons with deadly new accuracy.

Moscow argues that it would violate an existing treaty that bans anti-missile weapons.

Some of the anti-missile weapons now under development have been around for decades, such as small projectiles meant to smash into targets.

Other experts have also expressed doubt whether the laser would prove practical as an anti-missile weapon.

One issue often raised is whether anti-missile weapons would violate the 1972 treaty.

The Pentagon's Strategic Defense Initiative is eager to study the craft for ideas on how to build anti-missile weapons with long endurance.