The concept behind the missile defence system was that it would provide a way of effectively making nuclear weapons obsolete. Through the application of a defensive system that incorporated both land and space-based missiles, it was believed that any nuclear warhead fired would be destroyed before it was able to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere.

If you were worried about the possibility of World War III, fear not: Donald Trump has announced plans to develop a "golden dome" missile defence system to keep the U.S. safe — and Stephen Colbert has thoughts.