In a statement, a Space Force spokesperson said the service plans to lead a “fast-paced effort in partnership with industry.” The spokesperson added that “The U.S. Space Force awarded multiple contracts for Space-Based Interceptor prototype agreements to multiple performers through competitive Other Transaction Agreements,” and that “The selection process was robust and thorough.”
The service declined to identify the companies that secured the initial contracts due to “enhanced security measures.” It also withheld the value of the agreements, noting that as OTAs the Space Force does not have to disclose those details.
The Space Force is using OTAs and prize challenges to gather a wide range of potential solutions for Golden Dome. This set of prototypes focuses on interceptors designed to disable enemy missiles in the boost phase just after launch.
A separate prototype competition for kinetic midcourse interceptors is due to begin in early December. The Space Force expects to award those contracts in February.
Golden Dome remains a central priority for the Pentagon and has drawn the close attention of President Donald Trump, who established the initiative in an executive order during the first week of his second term. At the project’s Oval Office unveiling in May, Trump said the programme would cost 175 billion dollars and take three years to reach initial operations, a timeline and price that defence experts have questioned.
The Pentagon has not yet disclosed the detailed architecture of Golden Dome and is still preparing an implementation plan. The Space Force also did not specify what funding it used for the first SBI contracts, though they may have been supported by the 25 billion dollars already allocated for Golden Dome projects through budget reconciliation legislation passed this summer.
Congress directed that 5.6 billion dollars of that sum be used for space based interceptor capabilities. Several companies, including Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin and Apex Space, have said they are already developing concepts for Golden Dome.
Apex plans to launch its “Project Shadow” interceptors next summer and Lockheed is preparing a demonstration in 2028. Northrop has begun ground testing SBIs and is providing operational analysis to the Pentagon.
Source: Air & Space Force Magazine.
