> And their usage is quite bursty so I think you're right that a space based laser would just spend days charging Sure, but surely there will be a maximum tota

> And their usage is quite bursty so I think you're right that a space based laser would just spend days charging Sure, but surely there will be a maximum total power storage that a satellite will have, and if that totals, say, 50 missile zaps, them don't you have the same problem that the enemy could send 51? When 51 missiles are on their way, you don't have time to recharge from the sun. And unlike the diesel generator you can't quickly add more power storage the week before when you see what the enemy is about to do.