In response to norad45
1. the president does not need permision to release nuclear weapon(but will be raked ove the coals after)
2. Funding is already built into the budget to launch nukes and other spacecraft.
3. I'm with Blast here.
4. I dont know, with the way people work anymore probably not.
In response to blast
1. Our balistic missiles can escape orbit but in the normal course of things do not because their normal target is not in space but here on earth.
2. Dont know if they have the system in place but it wouldn't be hard to place a launcher from a sub in a shuttle (shouldn't take to much modifications)
3. They could direct it from the ground.
4. TSWHTF!
5. Have know idea?!