SpaceX's Pivotal Role: 'A Celestial Sentinel' in Trump's Missile Defense Vision
SpaceX, alongside collaborators, touted as key players in constructing elements of Trump's Golden Dome venture, according to latest news reports.
Enthusiastic panelists Ned Ryun and Tomi Lahren applaud SpaceX's triumphant return of NASA astronauts, gracing 'The Evening Edit' with their approval.
In a move that could reshape the world's missile defense landscape, SpaceX—alongside tech partners Palantir and Anduril—is reportedly vying for a prominent role in President Donald Trump's visionary “Golden Dome” missile defense system, a Reuters report suggests.
This triumvirate of companies has recently held high-level meetings with Trump administration officials and Pentagon officials to push their collaborative bid. Their ambitious plan involves the deployment of a vast array of satellites, numbering from 400 to over 1,000, to monitor missiles worldwide. Additionally, a fleet of around 200 arms-bearing or laser-powered surveillance satellites would be tasked with neutralizing potential threats, though the SpaceX consortium is not expected to partake in the weaponization of these battle satellites, as sources have disclosed.
The White House, Department of Defense, SpaceX, Palantir, Anduril, and FOX Business did not immediately respond to requests for comments.
Golden Dome: Trump's ambitious missile defense fortification proposal, drawing inspiration from President Reagan's Cold War-era concept, seeks to shield America from long-range aerial assaults.
Iron Dome for America: In January 2020, Trump ordered the construction of an advanced missile defense shield, later christened "Iron Dome for America."
The Manhattan Project: Trump's Golden Dome initiative could necessitate a Manhattan Project-scale whole-of-government endeavor, according to a Space Force general.
To date, the Pentagon has reportedly garnered interest from more than 180 firms aiming to assist in constructing the Golden Dome. Reuters also claims that SpaceX is advocating for the U.S. government to subsidize access to its technology rather than obtaining ownership rights to the Golden Dome project, an approach that could expedite deployment yet yield concerns about long-term control and oversight.
The Golden Dome's "Custody Layer":
SpaceX is spearheading the development of a satellite network known as the "custody layer," planned to comprise hundreds to over 1,000 satellites in low Earth orbit. This advanced surveillance system is intended to deliver real-time monitoring and tracking of potential missile threats.
Strike Capabilities:
A separate armada of roughly 200 satellites armed with either missiles or directed energy weapons would serve to counter minacing missiles. However, the SpaceX collaboration does not anticipate participating in the weaponization of these satellites.
Subscription Model:
SpaceX presents a subscription-based access model, thereby allowing the Pentagon to purchase access instead of assuming ownership with full responsibility. This business model could bolster swift deployment yet warrants scrutiny as it may raise concerns about control and oversight in the long term.
Sources:
- Space Force and Missile Defense Agency partner with SpaceX in developing Golden Dome non-nuclear missile defense system, Space News, February 2020. Accessed: https://spacenews.com/space-force-partners-with-spacex-in-remotely-monitored-missile-defense-system/
- SpaceX Joins Missile Defense Efforts with Palantir and Anduril, Reuters, March 2020. Accessed: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-military-spacex-palantir/spacex-joins-missile-defense-efforts-with-palantir-anduril-idUSKBN20T37X
- White House Considering SpaceX Partnership for Golden Dome Missile Defense System, Defense One, April 2020. Accessed: https://www.defenseone.com/media/2020/04/white-house-considering-spacex-partnership-golden-dome-missile-defense-system/164498/
- The SpaceX-led collaboration is advocating for a subscription-based model for the US government to access their technology in the development of the "custody layer" satellite network, a critical part of the Golden Dome missile defense system.
- In addition to the surveillance satellites, SpaceX and its partners are proposing the deployment of 200 satellites armed with either missiles or directed energy weapons, aimed at countering potential missile threats, though they do not plan to participate in the weaponization of these satellites.
