If you've been reading the responses to the intended shoot-down since it was announced a few days ago, you know the comments have ranged from support to misgivings to condemnation.  Everything from the US is acting as a good global citizen by minimizing the danger of toxic hydrazine to the US is behaving as an evil empire as it demonstrates its capabilities and desire to be the space power of the 21st Century.  As with most complex issues, the truth is no doubt multi-edged with elements spanning the spectrum of comments.

Now that the intercept has taken place and one more US military capability has been demonstrated, the issue is what happens next.  How will the space-related military doctrines of the US, Russia, China, India, Iran, Israel, North Korea and others be impacted?  Will the civil and military leaders of these nations talk with each other as they consider the successful mission?  Will other nations press for some type of international action, condemnation or otherwise, at the United Nations?  Considering the January 2007 satellite shootdown by China, will the US shootdown motivate the Chinese government positively or negatively?

While all of this will be interesting and make for great press, I'm more interested in the thoughtful considerations and discussions that I hope will emerge.