[Digital Today AI Reporter] The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion contract to build missile-tracking satellites for the Golden Dome missile-defense program championed by former President Donald Trump, The Verge reported May 29.
The U.S. Space Force said Friday the sensor-equipped satellites will be able to detect and track targets from orbit.
SpaceX is already working on other elements of Golden Dome. The company will develop an on-orbit interceptor prototype and has secured a $2.29 billion contract to build the program’s data network.
Golden Dome is modeled on Israel’s Iron Dome and is intended to detect and intercept missiles and other airborne threats.
However, some experts question whether the system would withstand a large-scale missile barrage and warn it could increase the risk of nuclear escalation. Gen. Michael Gettlein of the U.S. Space Force said the defense system is expected to reach limited operational capability by the end of 2028.
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