The US Space Force has identified 12 companies tasked with developing space-based interceptors for the Pentagon’s 'Golden Dome' initiative, according to arstechnica.com.
The program aims to create a multi-layered defense system designed to shield US territory from drones, cruise missiles, and hypersonic or ballistic attacks.
The Space Force issued 20 individual awards to the selected contractors between late 2025 and early 2026. These agreements use the Other Transaction Authority (OTA) mechanism, which allows the Pentagon to bypass standard federal acquisition regulations to accelerate rapid prototyping.
The total value of these agreements reaches up to $3.2 billion. The funding will combine public and private investment to move space-based interceptors (SBIs) closer to testing in low-Earth orbit.
A mix of industry veterans and newcomers
The contractor list features established aerospace leaders alongside emerging defense tech firms. The roster includes SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, General Dynamics Mission Systems, and Booz Allen Hamilton.
Newer players with significant national security ambitions are also involved, such as Anduril Industries and True Anomaly. The list further includes GITAI USA, Quindar, Sci-Tec, Turion Space, and Booz Allen Hamilton.
Each company brings a distinct specialty to the program. Companies like Sci-Tec and Quindar provide software expertise, while Turion Space focuses on space sensing technology. GITAI USA enters the project with a background in in-space robotics.
While these companies are working on early-stage development and technology demonstrations, the current agreements do not cover full-scale production. The outlet reported that full production will involve much higher costs.
Details regarding the specific contributions of each firm remain undisclosed. "No additional information will be available at this time due to operational security requirements regarding the SBI program," the Space Force said in a statement.
