SpaceX leads bid to develop Trump's Golden Dome missile shield

SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, along with partners Palantir and Anduril, has emerged as a leading contender for a crucial part of President Donald Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile defense project. This initiative has attracted considerable attention from tech companies involved in defense innovation. The project aims to build a global missile defense system that includes a network of satellites capable of detecting missile launches and tracking their paths.

Musk’s companies, including SpaceX, have long supported Trump politically, with Musk contributing significantly to Trump’s election campaigns and advising the president on government efficiency. Despite initial backing from the Pentagon, the selection process for the Golden Dome remains early, and decisions could evolve in the coming months.

The proposed plan involves launching hundreds of satellites that would work together to detect and intercept missile threats. Although SpaceX’s role focuses on satellite technology, it will not handle the weaponization aspects of the system. The development process diverges from traditional military procurement models, with some in the Pentagon concerned about the potential for a subscription-based service model that could compromise long-term control and pricing.

SpaceX has suggested offering the Golden Dome’s technology as a subscription service, which could expedite deployment but raise concerns about governmental oversight and control. Discussions continue regarding whether the U.S. should own the system or have contractors operate it. If SpaceX wins the contract, it would mark a significant breakthrough for tech companies in the defense sector.

Although traditional defense contractors like Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin remain key players in the bidding process, over 180 companies have expressed interest in contributing to the Golden Dome, including smaller defense startups. Senior Pentagon officials, including Steve Feinberg, are expected to play pivotal roles in the decision-making process.