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Space Force Awards First Golden Dome Prototype Contracts for Space-Based Interceptors

The service is using rapid OTAs with prize competitions to drive boost-phase interceptor demos under a policy that withholds contractor identities.

U.S. President Donald Trump makes an announcement regarding the Golden Dome missile defense shield in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 20, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
The Pentagon building is seen in Arlington, Virginia, U.S. October 9, 2020. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
President Trump Makes Announcement With Defense Secretary Hegseth In The Oval Office
Illustration of space-based missile defense

Overview

  • Space Systems Command confirmed multiple OTA prototype awards for space-based interceptors, with contractor names and award values kept nonpublic under security measures and under-$9 million disclosure rules.
  • Reuters reported awardees include Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Anduril and True Anomaly, with initial interceptor awards around $120,000 each according to a July Pentagon briefing.
  • The competitions use staged prize pools, including a $340 million pot for on-orbit demonstrations, and could lead to annual production contracts valued at $1.8 billion to $3.4 billion.
  • A separate pre-solicitation for kinetic midcourse interceptor prototypes is out, with a request for proposals expected around Dec. 7 and awards planned for February 2026.
  • Analysts continue to question the viability of a boost-phase space layer, citing very short engagement windows and potential requirements for hundreds to thousands of orbital interceptors.