Trump’s Golden Dome Launches Space-Based Missile Defense Push, Raising Questions on Cost and Physics
Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein now holds acquisition authority for a plan critics say would require extensive satellite coverage.
Overview
- An executive order established Golden Dome with $175 billion announced and placed oversight and acquisition authority with Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein.
- The design combines space-based boost-phase interceptors with terrestrial systems to address ICBMs, cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons.
- Analysts cite the low-Earth-orbit 'absenteeism' problem, with estimates that roughly 950 satellites could be needed for broad coverage.
- The Congressional Budget Office pegs potential costs near $542 billion and experts note satellites may need replacing every 5–10 years.
- China and Russia label the concept destabilizing, and experts warn space interceptors could be repurposed as anti-satellite weapons.