Elon Musk’s SpaceX, along with two partners, have emerged as the frontrunners to secure a crucial segment of President Donald Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile defense shield, according to six individuals with knowledge of the matter.
Sources indicate that Musk’s rocket and satellite company is collaborating with software developer Palantir and drone manufacturer Anduril to bid on constructing key components of Golden Dome, a project that has garnered significant interest from the burgeoning defense startup sector within the technology industry.
In his executive order issued on January 27th, Trump identified missile attacks as “the most catastrophic threat facing the United States.”
All three companies were founded by entrepreneurs who have been prominent political supporters of Trump. Musk, who has contributed over a quarter of a billion dollars to Trump’s campaigns, now serves as a special advisor to the president, aiming to reduce government spending through his Department of Government Efficiency.
Despite the Pentagon’s favorable signals toward the SpaceX group, some sources emphasize that the decision-making process for Trump’s Golden Dome is still in its nascent stages. The project’s ultimate structure and the selection of contractors could undergo significant changes in the coming months.
In recent weeks, the three companies presented their proposal to top officials in the Trump administration and the Pentagon, which involves building and launching a constellation of 400 to over 1,000 satellites to detect and track missile movements globally, according to sources.
A separate fleet of 200 attack satellites, equipped with missiles or lasers, would then intercept and destroy enemy missiles, three sources revealed. These sources also indicated that SpaceX is not expected to be involved in the weaponization of satellites.
One source familiar with the discussions described them as “a departure from the usual acquisition process. There’s an attitude that the national security and defense community has to be sensitive and deferential to Elon Musk because of his role in the government.”
SpaceX and Musk have declined to comment on Musk’s involvement in any discussions or negotiations regarding federal contracts with his businesses.
The Pentagon did not provide detailed responses to Reuters’ inquiries, stating only that it will deliver “options to the President for his decision in line with the executive order and in alignment with White House guidance and timelines.”
The White House, SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril also did not respond to requests for comment. Following publication, Musk replied to a post on his social network X about Reuters’ story, stating, “This is not true,” without further elaboration.
