Trump admin plans first ‘Golden Dome’ test of space-based missile defense system: report

NY Post ^ | 8/03/25 | Ryan King

[Libloather]

Pentagon officials are aiming to test President Trump’s space-based Golden Dome missile defense system to safeguard the US in the fourth quarter of 2028, according to a report.

That timeframe lines up with Trump’s ambitious goal to “have it done in three years” and comes amid pitches from defense contractors to score coveted contracts to develop the cutting-edge system.

“They want a win to point to in November [2028],” a defense official told CNN. “And DoD [Department of Defense] wants to avoid anything they perceive will slow them down.”

The test, which will be conducted by the Missile Defense Agency, is expected to be called FTI-X, which stands for “Flight Test Integrated,” in a nod to how it will assess the Golden Dome’s vast array of sensors and weapons systems, according to the report.

Development of the state-of-the-art missile defense system is expected to cost about $175 billion, according to Trump, who tapped Gen. Michael Guetlein, vice chair of operations at the Space Force, to oversee the ambitious project in May.

Congress has already allocated $25 billion in funding for the Golden Dome in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which Trump signed into law last month.

Military officials have explored space-based missile defense technologies for decades, including during Ronald Reagan’s Star Wars program, also known as the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI).

Space-based missile defense technology can be advantageous because it can help thwart an enemy missile much earlier in its trajectory than other technologies that the US currently has in its arsenal.

It can also reduce geographical barriers and catch certain types of enemy missiles at a stage when they are slower and easier to intercept.

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TOPICS: Business/Economy; History; Local News; Outdoors
KEYWORDS: defense; dome; golden; missile

[Libloather]

Git 'er done.

[Theophilus]

Go Space Force! Go MDA!

[ReganFan4ever]

I hope this time around this SDI is not a fake one.

[PGalt]

HOORAY President Trump and individuals at Space Force!

[SunkenCiv]

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