U.S. Space Force Advances Golden Dome Missile Defense with Industry Partners Amid Cost Concerns
The U.S. Space Force has selected 12 defense companies to develop space-based missile interceptors as part of the Golden Dome program. This initiative aims to counter ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles through armed low-Earth orbit satellites. The program, which has a combined award value of up to $3.2 billion, is set to demonstrate an initial capability by 2028. However, affordability remains a significant challenge, with Space Force officials acknowledging that the cost of deploying these interceptors at scale may be prohibitive. The Golden Dome program, proposed during the Trump administration, seeks to address threats from adversaries like Russia and China. 
