It’s a standard part of all science fiction: lasar weapons (or "phasers" in Trek-ese).

It’s not science fiction anymore.  We’re working on a technology to shoot satellites out of the sky.  Presumably, once perfected, we will be designing satellites which shoot lasars from space hitting a target with pinpoint accuracy.  Want to kill the next Saddam without a messy and expensive invasion?  Lasars are the answer.

Welcome to the Starfire Optical Range in New Mexico (pictured right) where the work is being not-so-secretly conducted.

There’s much to be said about the weaponization of space.  Sadly, whatever your take on the morality of it all, it seems to be inevitable.