The US Space Force reveals details of "Golden Dome" contract: SpaceX, Lockheed Martin and 10 other companies receive $3.2 billion in orders.

The US Space Force announced that it has awarded contracts worth up to $3.2 billion to 12 companies for the development of a space-based missile defense interception system, in order to advance President Trump's proposed "Space Fence" program. The "Space Fence" program is expected to cost $185 billion and aims to expand the ground-based defense system, including interceptors, sensors, and command and control systems, while adding space-based elements to detect, track, and counter incoming threats from orbit when necessary. These new capabilities will include advanced satellite networks and the controversial orbital weapon systems. The Space Force revealed on Friday that the Space Systems Command, a subordinate unit of the Space Force, has awarded 20 contracts to 12 companies, including SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Anduril Industries, with a total value of up to $3.2 billion by the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026. "The verified and powerful US missile defense system must be combined with next-generation space tracking systems and advanced interceptors, integrated through artificial intelligence (AI) to respond to the increasing speed, mobility, and lethality of threats." The Space Force has awarded the first batch of prototype agreements for the development of space-based interceptors capable of intercepting missiles shortly after launch, marking a significant shift in the US missile defense strategy. Unlike existing ground-based systems, the space-based interceptor project will deploy weapons in orbit, allowing the US military to intercept threats in the early stages of missile flight, destroying targets earlier. The Space Force stated in a release that this move aims to "ensure government flexibility in contract awards when selecting the best suppliers." The project aims to develop a space-based missile defense interception system by 2028 and demonstrate its comprehensive combat capabilities in the overall "Space Fence" architecture. Space Force officials stated in the release that the plan is to demonstrate the capability of space-based interceptors by 2028, which means the project must significantly accelerate. Furthermore, according to previous reports, the Space Force has also awarded six smaller "Space Fence" related contracts for competitive missile defense prototype projects, kicking off a future battle for contracts worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Experts believe that the deployment of large-scale space-based interceptors could significantly increase costs. The American Enterprise Institute estimated in a report in September last year that the total cost of the project over 20 years could range from $252 billion to $3.6 trillion, with the difference primarily depending on the number of space-based interceptors.