SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, has secured a contract worth over $4 billion to build satellites that track foreign aircraft and missiles as part of the 'Golden Dome' defense shield initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump. According to the U.S. Space Force, this network will integrate space-based sensors, communication systems, and AI-powered ground data centers to detect aerial threats from orbit. This is reported by Ixbt.com reports .
While the U.S. previously relied on ground-based radars and military aviation to monitor the skies, deploying detection assets into space will eliminate 'blind spots.' This $4.16 billion funding signifies the strengthening of SpaceX's ties with the Pentagon and its active role in the project aimed at protecting the U.S. through a multi-layered defense system.
According to Bloomberg, SpaceX has already signed a contract to develop prototypes of space-based interceptors for this project. The company is also collaborating with the U.S. Space Force on the Starshield platform (a version of Starlink) to provide secure and encrypted communications. Furthermore, the company's Falcon-9 rockets are actively used to launch critical national security satellites for the Pentagon.
According to General Michael Guetlein, head of the Golden Dome project, the cost of the first phase of the missile defense system is expected to reach $185 billion. The system is scheduled to be fully operational by 2028. The contract with SpaceX was signed under an accelerated procedure aimed at reducing bureaucracy and increasing competition, with new agreements with other commercial suppliers expected by the end of the year.
Currently, SpaceX is preparing for an IPO in the coming weeks, with the company's market capitalization expected to reach at least $1.8 trillion. This new military contract further solidifies the company's leadership in the space technology market.
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