The Pentagon has decided that its missile defense strategy could use a little more Elon Musk, awarding SpaceX a $4.16 billion contract to build satellites for President Donald Trump's planned 'Golden Dome' defense system. The US Space Force announced on Friday that these sensor-equipped satellites will allow it to detect and track targets from space, because apparently keeping an eye on things from orbit is the new trend.
SpaceX, which recently filed for what could be the biggest initial public offering ever, already has contracts with the Space Force to develop other parts of the Golden Dome. The system, similar to Israel's Iron Dome but presumably shinier and more expensive, aims to identify and take down missiles and other airborne targets. SpaceX is also set to develop prototypes for space-based interceptors and won a separate $2.29 billion contract to develop its data network. Because when you're building a dome, you need a solid data plan.
Some experts are questioning whether the Golden Dome will actually work against a barrage of missiles or if it might just increase the threat of nuclear war - you know, minor details. Space Force General Michael Guetlein has assured Bloomberg that the defense system will have some 'operational capability' by the end of 2028, which in government-speak probably means 'we'll have a PowerPoint presentation ready.'