“Golden Dome”: 950 anti-missiles in space will be needed to successfully defeat one ICBM

The United States already has the technology to begin developing space-based interceptor missiles capable of engaging intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

However, defense contractors are waiting for clear guidance from the Pentagon on the Golden Dome, Defense One reported.

The United States first tried to create a space-based missile shield back in the 1980s.

Lockheed Martin, which has already launched a trailer dedicated to the Golden Dome, said it is looking to use its experience with ground and sea-based interceptors to compete.

But moving an interceptor into space and hitting a missile during its upper stage is still a challenge.

While the industry mulls over concepts for new interceptors, Pentagon officials are grappling with the bigger problem of how to scale the architecture and pay for the vast number of space-based interceptors.

According to Todd Harrison, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, it takes about 950 interceptors in orbit to successfully engage a single intercontinental ballistic missile.

“Therefore, the government would need about 10,000 interceptors if the enemy launches 10 ICBMs,” said Todd Harrison.

The companies want to get some of the funding now, as development could be curtailed in four years under the new administration. Trump’s January executive order gave the Pentagon 60 days to provide the president with initial options and costs for this ambitious project.

The Defense Department plans to hold two events with industry in Huntsville, Alabama. The meetings will help determine what can be done in the next two to four years.

“This is an iterative process. If we wait and try to create the perfect solution, we will never get started. Therefore, the project analysis is the first step in this iterative process,” the US officials said.

Recently, it became known that Elon Musk’s SpaceX is teaming up with Anduril and Palantir to apply for part of the project.