The Pentagon has scheduled its first major test of President Donald Trump’s space-based Golden Dome missile defence system just before the 2028 elections, CNN reported, citing sources. This ambitious schedule aims to demonstrate the feasibility of transforming President Trump’s concept of a space-based protective shield for the entire United States.This scheduling aligns with Trump’s May announcement to “have it done in three years.” “Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world,” he said. A defence official informed CNN that while missile tests typically require extensive advance planning, the timing of this test in the fourth quarter of 2028 appears strategically placed. “They want a win to point to in November [2028],” the official told CNN and added, “and DoD wants to avoid anything they perceive will slow them down.”The defence official revealed that the MDA plans to designate the test as FTI-X, where ‘FTI’ indicates Flight Test Integrated, encompassing the coordination of Golden Dome’s various sensors and weapons systems against multiple targets.The three-year implementation presents significant challenges, considering the US has researched space-based missile interception for decades. The defence official highlighted technical complexities, particularly regarding the substantial number of satellites required for effective coverage of the continental United States.Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein, appointed by Trump in May to oversee Golden Dome’s development, addressed these challenges at a recent industry summit, focusing on the technical and economic feasibility of space-based interceptors at scale.Initial tests in 2028 may represent only the first phase, according to another source, emphasising the current focus on swift progress using existing systems to demonstrate the concept’s viability for additional funding.The project’s allocated budget of $25 billion, announced by Trump in May, is expected to expand significantly into hundreds of billions. Various companies are already testing relevant technologies, including Northrop Grumman’s work on space-based interceptors.The Pentagon recently announced successful testing of a Lockheed Martin long-range radar system in Alaska, capable of tracking ballistic missiles from Russia and China, likely to be incorporated into Golden Dome.The industry awaits Guetlein’s comprehensive system design plan. A memo signed by defence secretary Pete Hegseth outlined a 60-day deadline for initial architecture and 120 days for implementation planning.Concerns exist regarding the accelerated development approach and reduced oversight. The Office of the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation’s role was diminished after announcing its involvement in Golden Dome testing oversight.Guetlein has been granted significant autonomy in contract allocation and technology procurement, reporting directly to Deputy Secretary Stephen Feinberg. The programme operates outside standard Pentagon oversight procedures for major weapons systems.Multiple companies, notably SpaceX, Anduril, and Palantir, are competing for involvement, having presented directly to Hegseth, who has expressed interest in their proposals.
