The U.S. Department of Defense’s Golden Dome initiative represents a pivotal shift in how the United States operates in space. Follow of all of SpaceNews’ coverage here.
A biweekly email series explaining the Golden Dome initiative and what it means for the space industry, breaking down the latest developments.
By submitting this form, you agree to the SpaceNews privacy policy and terms and conditions and to receive email from us and our partners. You can opt-out at any time.
Golden Dome chief touts progress as funding questions loom
Guetlein joins North Dakota senators in making the case for the missile defense program
Join the dialogue on tomorrow’s space defense
With a 35-year legacy of trusted reporting, SpaceNews is uniquely positioned to lead the conversation around the U.S. Department of Defense’s Golden Dome initiative. Reach thousands of public and private stakeholders who want to better understand the project and what their role in its execution might be. Partner with SpaceNews today.
Golden Dome money starting to reach contractors, but long-term funding still unclear
Pentagon contractors are beginning to book Golden Dome related work, but much of it is flowing through established programs
SpaceX increasing footprint in missile defense
With multibillion-dollar awards for satellite networks, sensing and launch services, SpaceX is leveraging its vertically integrated manufacturing model to win a share of the Pentagon’s missile defense business
KBR organizes defense technology business to pursue Golden Dome work
Company points to digital engineering, space tracking and missile-defense experience
Golden Dome and the search for new space markets
Even as many details of Golden Dome remain unsettled, the missile-defense program has become a focal point for space and defense startups looking for new markets
Northrop Grumman partners with Apex on space-based interceptors for Golden Dome
The Los Angeles-based startup manufactures standardized satellite buses designed to be produced more quickly and at lower cost than traditional government spacecraft
Inside Golden Dome’s push to court commercial tech firms and investors
Behind the classified architecture is a struggle over affordability, industrial scale and whether commercial space economics can work for national defense
Golden Dome chief pushes back on $1.2 trillion CBO estimate
Gen. Michael Guetlein defends plan to pursue space-based interceptors but warns affordability remains central challenge
Congressional Budget Office estimates $1.2 trillion price tag for Golden Dome
The estimate is over 20 years; space-based interceptors would account for most of the cost
Rocket Lab joins Raytheon on space interceptor program for Golden Dome
The company also announced a new contract to fly hypersonic test flights for Anduril
Anduril teams with commercial space firms, Sandia lab on Golden Dome interceptor program
Program aims to counter hypersonic threats with interceptors in orbit
Space Force taps K2 satellites to test laser communications for missile-defense
Experiments will attempt to establish crosslinks from medium Earth orbit satellites
Space Force awards BAE Systems $11.8 million to demo satellite communications for Golden Dome
BAE to demonstrate inter-satellite Link-182 radios for Golden Dome missile defense architecture
Pentagon budget affirms Space Force role tracking moving targets from orbit
More than $8 billion is requested in 2027 to field space-based systems to track both ground and airborne targets
True Anomaly raises $650 million, reaching $2.2 billion valuation
Funding backs the company’s entry into Golden Dome program to build interceptor satellites
Startup targets radio segment of Golden Dome missile-defense network
Tensor is developing a Link-182 radio required for space-based interceptors
Space Force awards up to $3.2 billion for Golden Dome interceptor prototypes
Contracts with 12 companies aim to test competing designs for boost-phase missile intercept from space
SpaceX wins $57 million U.S. military contract for satellite crosslink demo
The contract is to demonstrate space-based data links using the Link-182 standard that will support Golden Dome
Apex to develop larger satellites for missile defense, space-based computing
‘Comet Mini’ and ‘Comet XL’ target energy-intensive missions
Golden Dome and the velocity race: Why ground-based optics are the key to mission persistence
While often described as a moonshot for missile defense, the Golden Dome for America mission is in reality something even more challenging: an exercise in disciplined systems engineering under threat. Hypersonic glide vehicles, maneuvering ballistic…
Telesat eyes defense role with laser comms test ahead of LEO debut
Canadian operator adds military Ka-band and plans 2027 NASA demonstration as Pentagon seeks faster space data transport
Golden Dome cost estimate rises to $185 billion as Pentagon expands space layer
Guetlein: ‘We were asked to procure some additional space capabilities’
Voyager opens defense and space tech hub in Long Beach
New facility to support electronics and software development for missile defense and space programs
Anduril to acquire space-tracking firm ExoAnalytic Solutions
Deal adds ground-based telescope network and space surveillance data to defense tech company’s expanding space business
Golden Dome to require unprecedented coordination between U.S. combatant commands
Leaders of U.S. Space Command, U.S. Strategic Command and U.S. Northern Command closely involved in Golden Dome planning
A banner year for military space funding— with an unclear path beyond
Reconciliation boost lifts 2026 totals, but sustainability questions loom for missile defense and Space Development Agency
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.