Space Force picks 12 companies to develop Golden Dome orbital interceptors
The Space Force announced Friday that 12 companies are now competing to build space-based interceptors for President Trump's Golden Dome missile defense system. Among them are satellite startup Impulse Space working with Anduril Industries to develop the orbital interceptor technology.
The Space Force announced Friday that 12 companies are now competing to build space-based interceptors for President Trump's Golden Dome missile defense system. The companies include satellite startup Impulse Space, which is partnering with defense contractor Anduril Industries.
The Golden Dome is Trump's planned multi-layer missile defense system designed to detect and destroy ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles. Trump signed an executive order on January 27, 2025, directing the development of this defense shield.
The space-based interceptors would work by targeting missiles during their "boost phase" - the critical moments right after launch when rockets are still accelerating upward. This approach could stop threats before they deploy countermeasures or reach their targets.
However, military officials remain cautious about the technology's future. As one source noted, "If boost-phase intercept from space is not affordable and scalable, we will not produce it." The Pentagon wants proof the system can work cost-effectively before moving forward with full production.
This could create the first space-based missile defense system to protect Americans from incoming threats. The technology would try to stop enemy missiles during their boost phase, right after launch, before they can reach U.S. targets.
The 12 companies will compete to prove their interceptor designs work and can be built affordably at scale.
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