The Trump administration is actively seeking new partners for its Golden Dome missile defense system, aiming to reduce dependence on Elon Musk’s SpaceX, according to a Reuters report.
A public rift between Trump and Musk, peaking on June 5, has driven the Pentagon and White House to explore alternatives for the $175 billion space-based shield, designed to surpass Israel’s Iron Dome in scope and complexity.
Concerns over relying solely on SpaceX’s Starlink and Starshield networks have prompted outreach to Amazon’s Project Kuiper and established defense contractors like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and L3Harris to bolster the program’s satellite and launch capabilities.
Amazon’s Project Kuiper, with only 78 of its planned 3,000 satellites in orbit, is a key contender, reflecting a broader push to integrate commercial technology into national security.
A U.S. official highlighted Kuiper’s potential, stating, “Kuiper is a big one,” particularly for missile tracking and communications.
Traditional defense firms are also stepping up, with Northrop Grumman working on space-based interceptors and L3Harris advancing missile warning systems.
“Lockheed Martin is ready to support Golden Dome for America as a proven mission partner,” said Robert Lightfoot, president of Lockheed Martin Space.
Emerging rocket companies like Stoke Space and Rocket Lab are also being considered for future launch contracts.
Launched days into Trump’s second term, Golden Dome is on an accelerated schedule, with Space Force General Michael Guetlein tasked with delivering an initial design in 60 days and a full plan in 120 days.
Incorporating commercial platforms like Kuiper raises cybersecurity challenges, as satellites must withstand cyberattacks and electronic warfare.
The program’s scale could reshape global security, potentially prompting adversaries to advance offensive capabilities or further militarize space.
As the administration prepares to deploy the first $25 billion in funding, Golden Dome’s evolving vendor landscape underscores a balance between innovation and strategic resilience.golden dome