Missile Defense Agency expands Golden Dome program with new space and AI contracts

The United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is expanding its Golden Dome program, a next-generation multi-domain missile defense architecture designed to protect the U.S. and its allies from ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missile threats. The program is supported by the SHIELD contract vehicle, a 10-year initiative with a potential value of $151 billion aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of advanced defense technologies.

Several companies have been integrated into this defense framework. Seattle-based startup Gravitics is working on an “orbital carrier,” an experimental “space mothership” concept designed to house, protect, and deploy satellites, drones, and interceptor missiles directly from orbit. This platform aims to solve the delay inherent in launching reinforcements from Earth during active orbital warfare.

Additionally, Japanese defense tech startup Skygate Technologies has entered a strategic partnership with U.S.-based Forward Edge-AI to support the SHIELD program. Skygate will provide its “Alayasiki” AI defense system, focusing on data integration, situational awareness, and zero-trust security to enhance interoperability between allied forces in the Indo-Pacific region.