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Space Force names 12 companies to develop Golden Dome’s space-based interceptors
Defensescoop.com and 2 more
- Space Force awarded up to $3.2 billion in agreements to 12 companies to develop space-based interceptor prototypes for the Golden Dome program, incorporating both established defense contractors and newer entrants.
- The SBI plan envisions a proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) interceptor constellation capable of boosting, midcourse, and glide-phase engagements to counter varied missile threats.
- Initial SBI capability is targeted for demonstration in 2028, with a full architecture planned for the mid-2030s, underscoring rapid progress in the program.
- Golden Dome aims to integrate SBIs into a multi-layer defense, pairing space-based interceptors with ground- and space-based sensors to counter ballistic, hypersonic, and advanced cruise missiles.
- Space Systems Command led the awards, advocating a fast, competitive OTA-based process that welcomes traditional and nontraditional vendors to spur innovation.
- Golden Dome supports a broader national-defense strategy to shield the homeland from evolving missile threats through a linked network of sensors and interceptors.
- Total program cost is cited around $185 billion, with an initial capability by 2028 and full architecture in the mid-2030s, shaping funding and timeline expectations.
- Officials emphasize ongoing inter-service and contractor collaboration, reinforcing a unified approach to developing space-based interceptor capabilities.
- Participants include established players and new entrants like GITAI USA and True Anomaly, reflecting a broadened industrial base for Golden Dome.
- The awards follow earlier OTAs, with SSC noting budget and timeline goals while expanding participation to a broader set of vendors.
- The overarching plan casts the SBI systems as a proliferated pLEO fleet carrying kinetic interceptors designed to engage threats across boost, midcourse, and glide phases.
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