SpaceX has submitted a proposal to the U.S. government to participate in the “Golden Dome” missile defence initiative, according to six sources cited by Reuters.
The initiative, launched by an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January, seeks to build a satellite-based missile shield to protect the United States.
SpaceX is partnering with Palantir and Anduril to deliver a system consisting of between 400 and over 1,000 satellites for missile detection and tracking, and approximately 200 satellites capable of neutralising threats. SpaceX is expected to focus on the sensor network, while Palantir and Anduril contribute analytics and defensive components. The attack satellites could reportedly be equipped with missile or laser weapons, though SpaceX is not directly responsible for armament.
A notable aspect of the proposal is its business model: SpaceX has suggested a subscription-based system where the government pays for access rather than purchasing the infrastructure outright. This model could potentially reduce deployment time by bypassing traditional Pentagon acquisition processes.
However, the proposal has raised concerns within the U.S. Department of Defense. General Michael Guetlein of the U.S. Space Force stated:
“We are exploring whether SpaceX should own and operate its segment or if the U.S. should retain ownership with contractors managing operations.”
The Golden Dome initiative has attracted interest from a range of companies, including defense startups like Epirus, Ursa Major, and Armada, as well as established contractors such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The project is seen as a possible milestone in the evolution of U.S. missile defence systems, reshaping ownership, operation, and technological integration.