The U.S. Space Force has launched a new program to develop space-based interceptor missiles, with the goal of demonstrating their capabilities within two years.
System for intercepting hypersonic weapons
The U.S. Space Force has launched the Space-Based Interceptor (SBI) program with the aim of establishing a satellite constellation capable of defending the United States against “next-generation threats,” such as hypersonic weapons, and neutralizing them in flight. The program is part of the planned “Golden Dome for America” defense system, which President Trump announced last year. Estimates of the system’s cost vary widely: from the $175 billion projected by the White House to $3.6 trillion.
However, despite the costs, the Space Force claims that this system is essential for protecting the United States in the face of a changing defense landscape. “Adversary capabilities are advancing rapidly, and our acquisition strategies must move even faster to counter the growing speed and maneuverability of modern missile threats,” said Space Force Col. Bryon McClain in a statement announcing the awarding of contracts to 12 different companies. “With the commitment and collaboration of these industry partners, the Space Force will demonstrate an initial capability in 2028.”
Satellite interceptor group
The Space Force’s SBI program aims to establish a satellite constellation of space interceptors capable of conducting “interceptions during the boost, midcourse, and glide phase engagements”—that is, while flying in the upper atmosphere; or during the final glide phase, during which they can maneuver at high speeds on their way to their targets.
Many technical details regarding how the Space Force plans to neutralize hypersonic weapons from orbit remain unknown. Critics point out that defending against 10 missiles would require a satellite constellation potentially numbering tens of thousands of satellites—not to mention the fact that no one has ever seen a demonstration of such capabilities.
However, U.S. Space Force General Michael Guetlein, Deputy Chief of Space Operations and the designated leader of the “Golden Dome” project, has repeatedly stated that space interceptors are physically feasible and that the United States and its aerospace contractors possess the technology to make them a reality.
Parallels with other interception systems
The “Golden Dome” system is partly inspired by Israel’s “Iron Dome” system—a missile defense system capable of intercepting missiles and artillery fire. The system also bears certain similarities to the missile defense program of the 1980s proposed by President Ronald Reagan, known as the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI).
The SDI program was dubbed “Star Wars” because it resembled science fiction, and it was never implemented due to the high projected costs, technological barriers, and political opposition to the plan.
But more than four decades later, many spaceflight technologies that once seemed like science fiction have now become a reality. As reusable launch vehicles continue to lower launch costs and reduce launch times, the prospect of creating a constellation of thousands of spacecraft no longer seems as far-fetched as it once did. Although we still have no idea what the space interceptor will look like or how it will work, the leadership of the U.S. Space Force emphasizes that it is entirely feasible.
According to www.space.com
