Space-based nuclear fissioning lasers are a type of weapon that use the energy from a nuclear fissioning material to power a laser beam. While the concept of these weapons has been around for several decades, they have yet to be successfully developed and deployed.

One of the main challenges in developing space-based nuclear fissioning lasers is the difficulty in creating a stable, high-energy laser beam. Nuclear fissioning materials produce a significant amount of energy, but harnessing that energy and channeling it into a coherent laser beam has proven to be a daunting task. Additionally, the fissioning material itself would need to be carefully controlled in order to prevent the laser beam from being disrupted or dispersed.

Another issue with space-based nuclear fissioning lasers is the potential for radioactive contamination. A nuclear fissioning material would produce radioactive debris, which could potentially contaminate the area around the weapon. This could have serious consequences for both the environment and for human health.

Despite these challenges, research and development of space-based nuclear fissioning lasers has continued over the years. In the 1980s, the United States conducted a number of tests to explore the feasibility of these weapons, but the program was eventually abandoned due to technical difficulties and concerns about the potential for nuclear proliferation.

In recent years, there have been some indications that other countries, such as Russia and China, may be exploring the development of space-based nuclear fissioning lasers. However, it is unclear to what extent these efforts are underway, and it is likely that significant technological hurdles would need to be overcome in order to successfully develop and deploy these weapons.

Overall, the current state of development of space-based nuclear fissioning lasers is one of uncertainty. While the concept of these weapons has been around for decades, the technical challenges and potential consequences of their use have so far prevented their successful development and deployment. It remains to be seen whether these challenges can be overcome in the future.