Space Force Awards Contracts for Space-Based Interceptor Prototypes

WASHINGTON - The Space Force has made its first awards for space-based interceptor (SBI) prototype development under the classified Golden Dome initiative, though the identities of winning contractors remain protected by enhanced security measures.

Multiple performers received competitive prototype contracts through Other Transaction Agreements, according to Space Force officials. “The U.S. Space Force awarded multiple contracts for Space-Based Interceptor prototype agreements to multiple performers through competitive Other Transaction Agreements. The selection process was robust and thorough,” a Space Force spokesperson stated, while declining to release contractor names.

The Space Force explained that contract secrecy is legally permissible under Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement guidelines. “Contracts under a $9 million threshold are not publicly released on War.gov, and Other Transaction Awards are not subject to DFARS, so they are not required to be publicly announced,” the spokesperson noted.

According to industry sources citing the Space Force’s summer acquisition plan, each winning contractor received an initial $120,000 prize fund with three one-year options to complete ground demonstrations. However, companies must bear the bulk of demonstration costs themselves—an arrangement designed to secure corporate buy-in while minimizing initial government expenditure.

The heightened secrecy surrounding Golden Dome represents a significant shift from the program’s initial public rollout. The Pentagon has reportedly discouraged industry references to the initiative at trade conferences, citing operational security concerns. One source indicated this includes expanding existing missile defense contracts through classified sole-source agreements to accelerate development timelines.

Golden Dome, the Trump administration’s ambitious space-based missile defense architecture, has received $25 billion in congressional funding over the next decade. Space-based interceptors represent a cornerstone capability, designed to engage enemy missiles during the boost phase—within minutes of launch and before they exit the atmosphere.

The acquisition strategy includes two parallel boost-phase intercept competitions: endo-atmospheric intercept (targeting missiles just after launch) and exoatmospheric intercept (targeting shortly after atmospheric exit). Each competition track represents several hundred million dollars in total value, though production contract decisions won’t occur until after 2028.

Defense contractors including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and startup Apex have publicly indicated their intention to compete for boost-phase SBI development. The prototype phase represents an essential stepping stone toward the eventual full-scale operational capabilities envisioned under Golden Dome.

Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764102555214-947