Project Thor
One really has to wonder. It’s such a simple and effective idea, why wouldn’t we have done it? Sure can’t be that hard to keep hidden. Rocket launches happen all the time. No spectacular tech to leak out. No real hyper-complex system to maintain outside fuel for the sat - and we repair/refuel them regularly. Just a targeting system computer and a bunch of heavy metal.
I’d be more apt to think it’s been up there since the 60s and that all the rest has been no more than a dog and pony show to hide the fact that we can hit anything, anywhere at damn near any reasonable depth.
...And that if we used it on Iran, then the cat’s outta the bag. But if we have it and don’t....
Interesting thing to ponder.
Historical point of interest - the concept for RFG was originated by Jerry Pournelle when he was a Cold Warrior involved in strategic weaponry; he has an Operations Research background. He has been a noted computer columnist and science fiction writer for the last few decades, and was a space adviser to Reagan and Gingrich. He is a really interesting guy. I support him and his web site at about the same level I support Free Republic (and I’m a monthly). He is worth it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinetic_bombardment
http://jerrypournelle.com/chaosmanor/