The U.S. contractors of the "Iron Dome" plan, including SpaceX, have completed the first round of critical tests for the space-based interceptor.

SpaceX, Northrop Grumman Corp., and other companies developing space-based missile interceptors for U.S. President Donald Trump's $185 billion "Iron Dome" initiative have successfully completed the first round of critical tests, marking early progress in the development of this experimental defense technology. General Michael Guetlein of the Space Force, who oversees the "Iron Dome" project, told reporters accompanying him during a conference on Tuesday that all companies will now enter the next phase of the program, which involves demonstrating that their technology can operate in a space environment. For at least some of these companies, the initial testing requirements included transmitting sensor data to the interceptor and demonstrating their spacecraft's propulsion systems. In April of this year, the U.S. Space Force announced contracts awarded to 12 different companies, including RTX, Anduril Industries Inc., and Lockheed Martin, to develop weaponized satellites for intercepting ballistic missiles. The current administration has allocated $3.2 billion for this effort, with future contract amounts potentially reaching hundreds of billions.