Key Data:
    * Currently more than 800 satellites orbit the earth. More than half are American.
    * Military intelligence-gathering and strategic communications depend on space-based assets.
    * Tools of modern civilian life–from credit cards and ATMs to cell phones and air travel–rely on satellites to operate properly.
    * The entire global supply chain runs on space-based information and communications.
    * Virtually all orbiting assets remain extremely vulnerable to enemy attack.

The Takeaway:  Preserving a 21st century lifestyle requires America to get busy building satellite protection systems.