Source: Global Times
[Global Times Report] Reuters reported on the 17th local time that six informed sources revealed that SpaceX, Elon Musk's American space exploration technology company, along with two other enterprises, has become a leading contender for a key component of the U.S. "Gold Dome" missile defense system. Previously, some U.S. media reported that the U.S. military was accelerating the development of this defense system aimed at protecting the U.S. homeland from long-range missile strikes, and the White House ordered that no cost should be spared in the project implementation.
The report cited informed sources as saying that SpaceX is jointly bidding with Palantir, a software company, and Anduril, an intelligent border defense system enterprise, build build a key part of the "Gold Dome" missile defense system. Reuters mentioned that these three companies were founded by entrepreneurs who have long supported former U.S. President Donald Trump.
On November 19, 2024, before the sixth trial flight of SpaceX's "Starship", Musk (first left) accompanied Trump and several congressmen to visit the control room. Photo source: foreign media report pictures
Informed sources disclosed that in recent weeks, these three companies have presented their plans to senior officials of the Trump administration and the Department of Defense. The plan proposes launching 400 to over 1,000 satellites orbiting the Earth to detect and track missiles. Another three informed sources said that the plan also includes deploying 200 satellites equipped with missile or laser weapons to intercept incoming missiles. However, SpaceX is not expected to participate in the armed part of the satellites.
The report also mentioned that some sources stated that the "Gold Dome" missile defense system project is still in the early decision-making stage, and the project structure and final contractor may undergo significant adjustments within the next few months.
Reuters reported that Musk subsequently made a brief response to the relevant content of the report on the social platform X, stating, "This is not true." However, Musk not not specify which aspects were "not true."
The Pentagon also did not respond to detailed questions from Reuters, only stating that it would "provide the president with relevant options based on the executive order and according to the guidance and schedule of the White House."
On January 27, Trump signed an executive order to launch the construction plan of the missile defense system named "American Iron Dome". However, just one month later, the plan was renamed "American Gold Dome". According to the executive order signed by Trump, the "Gold Dome" system needs to submit an architectural plan within 60 days, with core objectives including: defending against ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, and cruise missiles; deploying space-based tracking sensors; developing space-based interceptors with boost-phase interception capabilities. However, this ambitious concept faces multiple obstacles during its implementation.
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