Some of it went into exploring technologies that didn't pan out. Basic science is like that ... something they don't teach you in "science class".
Some of it went into the Aegis air/space defense system currently deployed with the US Navy. Some of it went into the Mid-course defense system currently deployed at Fort Greely, Alaska. Some of it went into the Patriot missile system, currently fielded by the US Army.
The various tentacles of the democRAT Party don't want you to know that.
Thanks. I knew that it wasn't all wasted and some of the concepts panned out, like any other scientific research / product development.
I was reacting somewhat TIC to the idea that it was all "a big deception." The arms race was already in place, and Reagan actually did up the ante to the point the Russians couldn't perform. It was a real program that produced real things. Brilliant, IMHO.