Golden Dome, New Donald Trump Administration Initiative, which involves the creation of a large -scale missile shield for the US, already affects the arrangement of forces in the defense industry sector.
One of the key companies, L3Harris Technologies, announced this week the expansion of its Fort Wayne manufacturing facility (state of Indiana) on 125 millions of dollars. The main goal is to increase the output of infrared sensor payloads, which should become the cornerstone of the space part of the Golden Dome system.
What is Golden Dome?
The project was created by presidential decree. It aims to integrate sensors, interceptors and electronic systems on land, the sea, in the air and in space. They will play a special role in this system:
- constellation of satellites with IR sensors to detect missile launches in the early stages,
- orbital interceptors, including laser or missile weapons.
The Golden Dome project provides for the interception of threats in the acceleration phase of the missile, which requires high-speed response and global coverage.
L3Harris is at the forefront of satellite infrastructure.
The company already has contracts for over $2 billion from the US Space Force and the Missile Defense Agency, which relate to the development of missile tracking satellites. The new expansion will allow mass production of infrared sensors and satellites, preparing the company for large-scale deliveries within the Golden Dome.
US Space Force General Chance Saltzman emphasized, that the project is not a typical government procurement program. It is currently at the stage of conceptual formation, with parts of architecture, which already exist, and those, that still need to be developed.
Competition is growing: SpaceX and other players.
Against the background of the uncertainty of the overall budget of the initiative, the battle for contracts is already gaining momentum:
- Booz Allen offers the project “Brilliant Swarms” — the constellation of 1 000–2 000 satellites, but has not yet disclosed, with whom he will work on implementation.
- SpaceX, according to the data Reuters, offered subscription model — the state will pay for access to the satellite network, rather than buying equipment. It a new approach, which caused both interest and concern in the Pentagon.
In this consortium:
- SpaceX responsible for launching satellites and managing the network,
- Palantir - for data analytics and software,
- On the sensor - for autonomous defense equipment.
Their concept includes from 400 to over 1 000 satellites for global monitoring of missile launches, and also approx 200 combat satellites with laser or missile weapons.