A controversial effort by the U.S. Pentagon to develop ground-based anti-satellite lasers has been highlighted by Congressional hearings in the States this week. Air Force officials are attempting to co-opt $5.7 million from the 2007 budget for developing high-energy lasers that could be used to destroy enemy satellites (because, you know, al Qaeda is launching birds left and right). Unclassified Air Force budget documents discussed during the hearings propose funding for an ongoing project called Advanced Optics and Laser Space Tech. It is evidence that the U.S. government intends to develop anti-satellite weapons. The Pentagon's anti-satellite project is part of a broad thrust to develop laser weapons including the Airborne Laser, for missile defense, and the Advanced Tactical Laser, for possible use on the battlefield. However, the plan is a controversial step because it focuses on the militarization of space.