Citing three sources familiar with the matter, Reuters reported on 22/7 that the US government is seeking additional partners for the "Golden Dome" missile defense project initiated by President Donald Trump. Amazon's Project Kuiper and several major US defense contractors have been contacted.
While SpaceX remains a leading contender due to its superior launch capabilities, two sources suggest its role in the program may be reduced. US defense officials have also reached out to emerging launch companies like Stoke Space and Rocket Lab.
"In the future, each satellite launch will be competitively bid, and we must facilitate partners beyond SpaceX," a US official revealed.
Neither US officials nor SpaceX have commented on the report.
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Conceptual image of a missile involved in the US Golden Dome project. Image: Lockheed Martin |
Conceptual image of a missile involved in the US Golden Dome project. Image: Lockheed Martin
This development comes amid strained relations between President Trump and Elon Musk following disagreements over budget and tax legislation, culminating in a public exchange on social media on 5/6.
The move also signals a strategic shift by the US government to reduce its reliance on Musk's SpaceX. SpaceX's Starlink and Starshield satellite networks currently play key roles in US military communications.
In April, sources indicated that SpaceX, along with defense companies Palantir and Anduril, were vying for key roles in the Golden Dome project.
The group proposed building and launching 400 to 1,000 satellites to create a global missile detection and tracking network. They also outlined plans for 200 weaponized satellites capable of intercepting enemy missiles with kinetic interceptors or lasers.
Following reports of SpaceX's leading role in the project, Musk stated on social media that his company "had not sought any contracts related to Golden Dome" and that its priority remained "getting humanity to Mars".
Major defense contractors, including Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and L3Harris, are also in discussions to contribute missile warning, tracking, and space-based interception technologies to the Golden Dome project.
Amazon's Project Kuiper has launched 78 satellites, aiming for a constellation of 3,000 in low Earth orbit. While Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos stated in January that Kuiper is "primarily commercial," he acknowledged potential defense applications.
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SpaceX Starship lifts off from Starbase Texas in 10/2024 for the Starship Flight 5 test flight. Image: AFP |
SpaceX Starship lifts off from Starbase Texas in 10/2024 for the Starship Flight 5 test flight. Image: AFP
President Trump launched the Golden Dome project just a week into his second term. US Space Force General Michael Guetlein will lead the program with full authority.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth directed General Guetlein to establish a project coordination team within 30 days, present a preliminary design within 60 days, and submit a full implementation plan within 120 days. This plan must detail the satellite network and ground control stations.
If it overcomes technical and political challenges, Golden Dome could reshape global security. A space-based missile shield might compel US adversaries to develop new offensive weapons or enter a space arms race.
Thanh Danh (Reuters)
