To empower the idea of a space-to-air missile defense pitched by US President Donald Trump in January, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has set up an industry engagement to discuss the possible development of the system.
Also known as the Golden Dome, the space-based interceptor (SBI) aims to neutralize missiles from space instead of the surface, including ballistic, hypersonic, and nuclear.
The engagement notice, titled Industry Engagement for SBI supporting MDA Next-Generation Missile Defense and Golden Dome for America, was released on April 4.
In the engagement, the MDA seeks information on the kind of interceptor, interceptor components, effector – kinetic and non-kinetic, propulsion, satellite, sensors, and seekers required in the Golden Dome.
Building Golden Dome
In partnership with the United States Space Force, the MDA will host the SBI Industry Engagement from April 30 to May 2, 2025, at the Von Braun Complex on Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.
According to MDA, non-traditional defense contractors are highly encouraged to attend, as the agency is particularly interested in innovative and disruptive capabilities and approaches that will support the SBI program.
The agency seeks concepts capable of boost-phase intercept and those capable of post-boost, early midcourse, or midcourse intercept demonstrating a pathway to boost-phase intercept.
This includes kinetic and non-kinetic effectors, sensors/seekers, and fire control solutions.
The SBI Industry Engagement aims to inform potential industry partners about various aspects of the SBI program, facilitate one-on-one meetings with government representatives, and provide numerous networking opportunities to support industry collaboration.
The event will feature a series of briefings covering multiple topics such as Government-Industry Collaboration, Acquisition and Contracting, Security, Prior Studies/Architectures, Problem Statements/Attributes, Modeling and Simulation, Threat Analysis, Kill Chain, Fire Control, Testing/Targets, and more.
Additional opportunities to engage with MDA leadership and the SBI Program Office team will be provided throughout the event, focusing on specific subjects such as Acquisition and Contracting, Space/Ground Segment, Security, Advanced Technology, and Threat Assessment.
Trump’s next-gen missile defense system
In January, the Trump administration released a press statement detailing a new directive to fortify the United States against increasing missile threats.
According to the press release, the US Department of Defense is tasked with developing a comprehensive architecture for the next-generation missile defense shield.
This architecture will encompass various components, including accelerating the deployment of hypersonic and ballistic tracking space sensor layers and developing advanced interceptors capable of neutralizing threats at multiple stages, including the crucial boost phase.
Critics have raised concerns over the funding and feasibility of such an ambitious program, particularly in an environment with limited budget resources.
However, the administration asserts that this initiative is vital for national security, advocating for a secure supply chain and introducing non-kinetic capabilities to enhance the effectiveness of the missile defense system.
In a further strategic step, the United States seeks to strengthen its ties with allied nations by enhancing missile defense cooperation.
Following the missile defense architecture submission, the Secretary of Defense will review theater missile defense postures to identify collaborative opportunities with allies.
This move aims to bolster defense capabilities for American troops stationed overseas and extends a protective umbrella over allied populations, ensuring mutual security interests are aligned.