I read somewhere that in order to make a reliable boost phase interceptor, you
need to launch 1,000 ABM satellites loaded with missiles in low Earth orbit in
order to catch them in the 3-minute window of opportunity. This would require
ten times our current launch capacity, hence the need for heavy lift launchers
for the foreseeable future. That is if George Bush is serious about Missile
Defense, and wants to do more than throw a bone for Defense contractors.