Sources say the Pentagon plans a first test of its space-based missile-intercept project before year-end and a flight demonstration in 2027 for the unproven technology. The milestones feed into President Trump’s $185 billion Golden Dome defence programme. The administration has allocated $3.2 billion to develop a weaponised satellite prototype capable of destroying missiles, and related contracts could total several tens of billions of dollars.

2026-08-08

Sources say the Pentagon plans a first test of its space-based missile-intercept project before year-end and a flight demonstration in 2027 for the unproven technology. The milestones feed into President Trump’s $185 billion Golden Dome defence programme. The administration has allocated $3.2 billion to develop a weaponised satellite prototype capable of destroying missiles, and related contracts could total several tens of billions of dollars.