SpaceX leads early bid to build Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ system

SpaceX is fronting a bid to build President Trump's proposed Golden Dome Missile Defense System

a satellite-based shield designed to detect and stop long-range attacks. The company is working with Palantir and drone maker Anderil on a concept that would launch

hundreds of satellites into low-Earth orbit to track threats in real time. Another fleet

About 200 satellites would carry strike capabilities like missiles or directed energy weapons

SpaceX is leading the custody layer, satellites that track incoming threats in real time

Early design costs are estimated at $6 to $10 billion. Instead of the government owning the system, SpaceX is pitching a subscription model

The Pentagon would pay for access, similar to a service, an approach that could speed up development, but raises questions about long-term control and oversight

Over 180 companies have shown interest including Lockheed Boeing and Northrop But SpaceX existing satellite network and launch capability may give it a head start Trump signed an executive

order in January directing the Pentagon to evaluate options. Early rollout could begin as soon as 2026

though timelines and team structures could shift as planning evolves. ysts say the full system

could eventually cost hundreds of billions of dollars. And while SpaceX has experience with

satellite deployment, the company hasn't built a nationwide missile defense network, something officials say will take significant coordination and testing

Musk, a major donor to Trump-aligned causes, now advises the Trump administration on government

efficiency. His central role in the project has sparked debate over transparency, influence

and whether Silicon Valley firms are ready to lead national security programs at this scale

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