Overview

• Elon Musk's SpaceX, along with partners Palantir and Anduril, has emerged as the leading contender to develop the 'custody layer' of the Golden Dome missile defense system.
• The proposed system includes 400–1,000 satellites for missile detection and tracking, plus 200 attack satellites for interception, though SpaceX is not involved in weaponizing the satellites.
• SpaceX has introduced a subscription-based procurement model, allowing the government to pay for access to the technology rather than owning it outright, a significant departure from traditional defense contracting norms.
• The Pentagon has received interest from over 180 companies, but SpaceX's existing satellite infrastructure and rapid deployment capabilities position it as a frontrunner.
• Contract awards and final architectural decisions are still months away, with the Pentagon expected to deliver options to the President in alignment with his executive order.