Overview

• The Pentagon has finalized three scalable options for the Golden Dome missile defense initiative, ranging from $10 billion to several hundred billion dollars in cost, for an imminent presidential briefing.
• SpaceX, alongside partners Palantir and Anduril, leads the bidding to develop the satellite-based custody layer, proposing a subscription-based model for the system’s operation.
• The proposed system would integrate existing and new technologies to counter diverse threats, including drones, hypersonic missiles, and orbital bombardment systems.
• SpaceX’s plan includes launching up to 1,000 satellites for missile tracking and a separate fleet of 200 satellites armed with interceptors, though weaponization details remain under review.
• Critics have raised concerns over the feasibility, long-term costs, and reliance on a subscription model, which could limit government control over the system.