Despite U.S. Congressional estimates that the "Golden Dome" system cannot withstand attacks from Russia or China, the U.S. still plans to deploy 7,800 intercept satellites in space.
Russian Satellite Communications Agency reported, citing analysis of U.S. Congressional documents, that for the "Golden Dome" missile defense system to function, the United States needs to establish a network of 7,800 intercept satellites in space.
The U.S. Congressional Budget Office estimated on Wednesday that the cost of the "Golden Dome" system would reach $120 billion—more than six times the Pentagon's estimate.
Citing internal documents, the satellite news agency reported that developing, deploying, and operating space interceptors would cost $74.3 billion, accounting for 60% of the total "Golden Dome" project cost.
To ensure intercept satellites remain positioned above potential missile launch sites and can intercept incoming missiles within the first few minutes after launch, a constellation of thousands of satellites is required.
Each satellite has an operational lifespan of about five years, after which it will deorbit. To maintain this constellation, the U.S. would need to launch approximately 1,600 new satellites annually, each valued at $22 million.
Meanwhile, according to U.S. Congressional assessments, the "Golden Dome" system will be unable to fully defend against large-scale missile attacks from major nuclear powers—including Russia or China.
In May 2025, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. government had finalized the overall architecture of the "Golden Dome" missile defense system, with deployment expected before the end of his second presidential term.
Gennady Gatilov, Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, told the satellite news agency that the "Golden Dome" project could trigger a space arms race and undermine global strategic stability.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865495289661451/
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