The startup Impulse Space is collaborating with Anduril Industries to develop space interceptor technology for the “Golden Dome” missile defense system, initiated by Donald Trump.
Source: Bukvy
According to sources, the Pentagon selected these companies to develop prototypes designed to track and destroy missiles from orbit. Impulse Space acts as a subcontractor for Anduril in this project.
Space interceptors are considered a key, yet untested, component of the system, which envisions a multi-layered defense—from ground-based elements to space—for the protection of the US and potentially other countries.
Impulse Space is led by Tom Mueller, one of the first employees of Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The company develops “space tugs”—devices for moving satellites between orbits. It already collaborates with US government agencies, including NASA and the National Reconnaissance Office for Space.
The “Golden Dome” system could cost around $185 billion and is planned to reach initial operational capability by 2028. Experts note that implementing space interceptors is the most technologically complex and expensive part of the project, requiring hundreds or even thousands of armed devices in orbit.