The US Space Force has selected 12 companies, including SpaceX and Lockheed Martin, to develop Space-Based Interceptors for the Golden Dome missile defense system under contracts worth up to $3.2 billion. The program focuses on rapid prototyping using Other Transaction Authority agreements to bypass traditional acquisition rules. This initiative aims to create a multi-layered orbital defense against drones and advanced missiles, though full production remains distant.
Background
The Golden Dome initiative is a Pentagon-led effort to develop a space-based missile defense system against evolving threats like hypersonic weapons. The US Space Force is leveraging commercial and defense contractors through agile acquisition methods to accelerate prototyping.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Apr 25, 2026 at 10:52 AM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10