i mean, it's a nice concept for satellite-satellite engagements, but it's completely impractical for atmospheric targets because in every scenario where you'd struggle taking something out with ground SAMs you wouldn't have a chance with something that's basically on a fixed course until it's completed atmospheric re-entry
in other news, i suggest holding off on your SSTO until 2020.
the safe catapult won't be done until 2016 anyway, a propulsion solution also needs to be figured out since a jet engine won't do in space. I've got the power provisions set up though but obviously that won't do any good if you run out of fuel. electrical propulsion is already current technology and all but I think a hybrid system might have to be rigged up for the technology demonstrator/testbed.
i'm launching spacecraft with reusable rocket boosters to get to escape velocity so it's not a true ssto yet. they're more than capable of doing the operations I actually need them for, which is tactical support and technical support for sweden's comsats. the re-entry thing is cool and all but if they haven't re-equipped boosters they won't be going back into orbit
i mean, it'd also be a lot more expensive and harder to restock ammunition
gun and cannon rounds are probably the cheapest solution. they've got one autocannon on board if they actually need it. the real point of debris-clearing operations is to train astronauts in surviving in hazardous environments, moreso than what NASA or the Russians or doing. This will come in handy for developing more safety protocols and figuring out what additional equipment might be needed. there was a new spacesuit made specifically as an improvement because the astronauts needed more flexibility and better protection for less bulk. the reliability of space-launched missiles is to be seen because we probably just got lucky here