Overview

• The inaugural FTI-X flight test is set for the fourth quarter of 2028 to validate Golden Dome’s integrated sensors and interceptors before the election
• General Michael Guetlein must issue detailed design guidance within 60 days and complete the system architecture by mid-September
• Lockheed Martin aims to demonstrate an on-orbit missile-killing satellite by 2028 while SpaceX, Anduril and Palantir vie for key contracts
• Pentagon officials barred Golden Dome panels at the Space & Missile Defense Symposium pending a separate unclassified briefing
• Congress has provided $25 billion for initial development but total costs could approach $175 billion amid significant technical and scaling hurdles