Update: Golden Dome for America

The Pentagon aims to initiate tests by late 2026 for its $3.2B “Golden Dome” space-based missile defense program, featuring flight demonstrations in 2027 and a final intercept test in 2029. The initiative, funded under a $185B budget, uses a competitive, milestone-based approach with 12 companies, including SpaceX and Lockheed Martin, to develop orbital interceptors designed to counter nuclear threats. Despite the aggressive timeline, the program faces significant skepticism regarding high costs and potential arms race risks, according to Bloomberg. According to the story, “Democratic lawmakers including Senator Ed Markey and Representative John Garamendi have also raised concerns that placing weapons in orbit could fuel an arms race with China and Russia.” In the FY27 budget request, nearly all the $17.5B being sought for Golden Dome will be in the reconciliation request, with around $400M in the base request.