SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has denied reports that his rocket company is currently providing technology for the proposed Golden Dome missile system for the US. However, Musk stated that SpaceX would be open to assisting if suggested by President Donald Trump. Musk's clarification came after a Reuters report claimed that SpaceX, in partnership with two other firms, was a frontrunner for a significant role in developing the Golden Dome missile defence shield, which is reportedly considered a key part of Trump's national security vision.
What Elon Musk said about ‘Golden Dome’ defence system
In a post shared on social media platform X (earlier Twitter), Musk wrote: “SpaceX has not tried to bid for any contract in this regard. Our strong preference would be to stay focused on taking humanity to Mars. If the President asks us to help in this regard, we will do so, but I hope that other companies (not SpaceX) can do this.”
According to sources cited in the report, the companies had pitched a plan that involved building and launching between 400 and over 1,000 satellites into Earth's orbit. These satellites would be used for real-time detection and tracking of missiles.
Reuters further reported on details from the pitch that included a separate fleet of 200 attack satellites equipped with either missiles or lasers intended to intercept enemy missiles.
SpaceX has reportedly suggested an alternative approach. Instead of the government buying and fully owning the technology, the company may retain ownership under this plan, with the government paying a subscription fee to access and use it, the report continued.
The Golden Dome missile shield is a defence system intended to counter incoming threats, especially long-range missiles. It is expected to function similarly to Israel's Iron Dome, which is built to detect and intercept short-range rockets.
SpaceX has not tried to bid for any contract in this regard.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 17, 2025
Our strong preference would be to stay focused on taking humanity to Mars.
If the President asks us to help in this regard, we will do so, but I hope that other companies (not SpaceX) can do this.
What Elon Musk said about ‘Golden Dome’ defence system
In a post shared on social media platform X (earlier Twitter), Musk wrote: “SpaceX has not tried to bid for any contract in this regard. Our strong preference would be to stay focused on taking humanity to Mars. If the President asks us to help in this regard, we will do so, but I hope that other companies (not SpaceX) can do this.”
According to sources cited in the report, the companies had pitched a plan that involved building and launching between 400 and over 1,000 satellites into Earth's orbit. These satellites would be used for real-time detection and tracking of missiles.
Reuters further reported on details from the pitch that included a separate fleet of 200 attack satellites equipped with either missiles or lasers intended to intercept enemy missiles.
SpaceX has reportedly suggested an alternative approach. Instead of the government buying and fully owning the technology, the company may retain ownership under this plan, with the government paying a subscription fee to access and use it, the report continued.
The Golden Dome missile shield is a defence system intended to counter incoming threats, especially long-range missiles. It is expected to function similarly to Israel's Iron Dome, which is built to detect and intercept short-range rockets.
You may also like
Dilli door ast: IGIA arrival congestion bites air travellers
Putin's Easter truce 'already broken' as 'Russian assault operations continue'
George Russell told to 'have some decorum' by Sky F1 pundit as interview turns awkward
Inside Freddie Flintoff's life now after horror crash - PTSD, healed face and new role
Downton Abbey 3 release date for heartbreaking finale 'Expect plenty of tears'
