USSR wins cold war with missile defence system

[zxcvbnm]

When the USSR is the first to switch on a working satellite based missile defense system they effectively win the cold war.

The USA becomes isolated and disarmed in a major recession. They are polluted by their coal power unlike Japan which trusted nuclear.

Meanwhile an entrepreneur has purchased the sold off remains of NASA and is running his own private space program in, I think, south America.

So alternate history book, probably written in late eighties. I remember enjoying it from the library but googling just gives me lost of cold war history. I hope it wasn't a failed book that noone will have ever heard of...

Thanks for any ideas.

 

[zxcvbnm]

Never mind more searching turned up "american fiction in the cold war" on Google which referenced "Privateers" by Ben Bova.

Which makes perfect sense as I actually red the Sam Gunn omnibus thinking it was this novel and was surprised when it wasn't. Turns out they both start space companies and fly mineral laden asteroids to earth while fighting the soviets.

Rather terrible reviews but I was younger when I read it and looks like it might be a good easy read for when ill.

 

[chrispenycate]

I thought it looked like a Bova story (he's not quite as bad as Chalker for writing the same story many times in different clothing, but does have recurring themes) but didn't recognise that one in particular from the details you gave. Still don't, actually; different details must have stuck in my head.

But you're doubtless right; after all, you're the one who checked it out last time…