US Golden Dome Missile Defence System Moves to Space-Based Testing

Developers of the space-based interceptor programme for the United States’ Golden Dome missile defence system have moved to the next phase of testing following successful initial trials. The update was provided by General Michael Guetlein of the US Space Force, who is leading the project. According to a Bloomberg report, the Pentagon had previously completed initial testing, which involved transmitting data from sensors. General Guetlein stated during a conference on Tuesday that the companies involved have now transitioned to the next stage, which involves testing the technology directly in space. President Donald Trump announced the Golden Dome missile defence shield project in May 2025. The multi-layered shield is designed to integrate ground, sea, and space-based systems to protect the US from missile threats, with an estimated cost of nearly $175 billion. The first large-scale test of the system is scheduled for late 2028.