In an attempt to move away from Elon Musk’s SpaceX in the face of escalating tensions, the Trump administration is speeding up its efforts to diversify its partner base for the ambitious $175 billion Golden Dome missile defence system. Three people with knowledge of the situation claim that defence behemoths like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, as well as alternatives like Amazon’s Project Kuiper, are currently being courted to play important roles in the satellite-powered defence network.
Although officials claim talks about lowering reliance on SpaceX started earlier, this change comes after a public spat between Trump and Musk on June 5. Due to its unmatched experience—having launched more than 9,000 Starlink satellites—SpaceX is still a likely launch partner, but its hegemony is currently being questioned. In a public statement, Musk stated, “We have not tried to bid for any contract in this regard.”
Despite only launching 78 satellites so far, Amazon’s $10 billion low-earth orbit satellite project, Project Kuiper, has become a contender. The Pentagon’s communication with Kuiper highlights a larger plan to incorporate commercial technology into defence systems. Jeff Bezos of Amazon recognised Kuiper’s military potential while highlighting its commercial mission.
There are also established firms like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman involved. While L3Harris reports growing interest in its missile tracking technology, Northrop is investigating a space-based interceptor. According to Robert Lightfoot, president of space at Lockheed, the company is “ready to support Golden Dome.”
New competitors like Rocket Lab and Stoke Space are now able to bid on upcoming launches as a result of tensions with Musk. General Michael Guetlein, who was just confirmed as the project’s leader, has been instructed by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to submit a preliminary design in 60 days and a comprehensive plan in 120 days.
Security is still an issue because Kuiper and others have to protect Starlink from cyberattacks. However, Golden Dome’s quick expansion might revolutionise international defence by causing changes in strategy and hastening the militarisation of space. The competition for a piece of America’s orbital shield has started as the first $25 billion in funding gets ready to be released.