Golden Dome and SpaceX

Life is more dramatic than drama

Golden Dome is a satellite-based shield designed to track external threats in real-time and neutralize them before they reach US soil. Think of it as a high-tech umbrella, satellites combined with radars and interceptors, to track and destroy incoming missiles.

To some degree, the US already has a system consisting of the Patriot. But the current system is getting aged, out of fashion. So, Trump wants to upgrade it to a next-generation shield so he can “make America safe again”.

According to Reuters, Elon Musk’s SpaceX and two partners, software maker Palenteer and drone maker Anduril, have emerged as front runners for Golden Dome.

The team proposed a constellation of 400 to more than a thousand missile defense satellites with autonomous decision-making capabilities, making it the biggest space-based weapon system in history.

SpaceX said the news isn’t true and that it prefers to stay focused on taking mankind to Mars rather than building defense systems. But it also added that if the President requests its assistance, then it will help. Hmm, are you thinking what I am thinking?

Although there are many US companies expressing interest in this lucrative project, SpaceX is the most competitive candidate without an equal.

The project would require capabilities to manage orbital launches and mega constellation satellites. SpaceX’s launch capacity and massive satellite network would give it a head start for sure. One way or another, it is hard to imagine the project will lift off without the involvement of SpaceX which is holding a significant advantage.

The shocking part of the rumor (for now) is that SpaceX is pitching a subscription model instead of selling the system. If it is true, then it would raise a lot of serious controversies that the government would pay for the use but will never own the system that is so crucial for national security. What if the private owners misuse their leverage? What if they want to stop maintaining it unless the subscription price is doubled?

For government procurement, the US has been successful by departing from the usual process and that move has been exponentially accelerating over the recent few years. But this is a national security we are talking about. Sometimes, it must be treated sensitively even if it means less efficiency.

Privatization can be a powerful tool but it isn’t always right. There are numerous examples that profit-seeking private companies that turned essential social services (education, water supplies, health care, police officers, and prisons) unaffordable or unavailable.