Former President Donald Trump has asked the Pentagon to reassess the country’s missile defense capabilities. The proposed initiative, referred to as “Golden Dome,” envisions a network of interceptors potentially based in space, marking a significant escalation in complexity and cost compared to current systems.
Unlike Israel’s “Iron Dome,” which is designed to intercept short-range projectiles, the Golden Dome would aim to counter intercontinental ballistic missiles—projectiles that travel vast distances at hypersonic speeds. Addressing such threats would require early-phase interception, prompting the exploration of orbital satellites capable of detecting and neutralizing missiles soon after launch.
Reports have mentioned potential involvement from tech companies like SpaceX, though Elon Musk has publicly denied any direct participation, stating that the company’s focus remains on space exploration. Other firms, such as Booz Allen Hamilton, have proposed satellite constellations that would act as both sensors and interceptors, with initial estimates suggesting the project could exceed $25 billion and require ongoing investment for maintenance.
Defense analysts have expressed differing views: some argue that the changing nature of modern warfare justifies renewed exploration of space-based defense systems, while others caution that such developments could provoke a new arms race, with nations like Russia and China potentially expanding their nuclear capabilities in response.
