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Plans to test a space-based missile-zapping laser in orbit have been dropped
because of budget cuts by the US Congress. Three key elements of the Space Based
Laser have been tested on the ground: a high-power hydrogen/fluorine laser, a
large focusing mirror, and an optical system to find and track targets. An
in-orbit test of the combined elements was scheduled for 2013. Now Congress has
slashed this year’s programme budget from $170 million to $50
million, enough to fund only a small technology development project.