The U.S. Space Force has taken a significant step towards realizing its Golden Dome missile defense architecture, initiating the award of prototype contracts for space-based interceptors. This move represents an early phase in the Pentagon's endeavor to establish a robust, multi-layered defense system.
A spokesperson confirmed on Nov. 25 that the Space Systems Command (SSC) has issued multiple awards for space-based interceptor (SBI) prototype demonstrations. These awards were granted through competitive Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), a contracting mechanism designed to expedite the development of emerging technologies. "The selection process was robust and thorough. The Space Force will lead a fast-paced effort in partnership with industry to develop, demonstrate and deliver prototype interceptors," a Space Force spokesperson said in a statement to SpaceNews.
The names of the contractors involved are being kept confidential "as they are protected by enhanced security measures." Similarly, contract values have not been disclosed. As the awards are OTAs, they are not subject to the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation, which typically requires public disclosure. Other Transaction Agreements offer the Defense Department greater flexibility regarding requirements, costs, data rights, and schedules. They are frequently used for rapid prototyping programs and attract companies that might otherwise avoid working with the Pentagon due to the regulatory burden of traditional procurement processes.
These SBI awards follow a September solicitation seeking prototypes for boost-phase interceptors, designed to target missiles in the initial minutes after launch. The Golden Dome initiative is overseen by Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein, reporting directly to Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg. The architecture envisions a multi-layered homeland defense system incorporating new sensor networks, command and control tools, and a combination of ground- and space-based kinetic interceptors. Space-based interceptors would maneuver in orbit to engage hostile missiles during flight. The specific application of these interceptors will depend on the final architecture selected by the Pentagon.
While boost-phase defense aims to engage a rocket during its burning phase when it is easier to track, it necessitates a large constellation of satellites in low-Earth orbit due to the short reaction time. Midcourse defense, on the other hand, engages the warhead later in space, allowing more time but requiring more advanced sensors to distinguish real warheads from decoys.
In a separate announcement, SSC issued a pre-solicitation notice for kinetic midcourse interceptor concepts. The command anticipates releasing a Request for Prototype Proposals around Dec. 7, with awards planned for February 2026. These awards will also be fixed-price OTAs and may include prize competitions.
The boost-phase SBI approach has faced scrutiny from analysts who argue that the physics and constellation size requirements make it challenging to implement at scale. Todd Harrison, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, noted that the intercept window for a boost-phase shot could be as short as 30 seconds. He highlighted the "absenteeism problem," as satellites in low-Earth orbit spend much of their time out of position relative to a given launch site. Harrison estimates that reliably intercepting even one missile might require around 950 orbiting interceptors. If an adversary were to launch 10 missiles, the constellation might need to expand to 9,500 interceptors. He suggests that the scaling cost could render the architecture impractical.
Experts suggest that the size, cost, and technical demands of space-based interceptors necessitate that the Pentagon refine its architectural choices before fully committing to a complete constellation.