# US Space Force Space-Based Interceptor program development

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-space-force-space-based-interceptor-program-development
> Updated: 2026-08-08T18:26:16.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

The U.S. Space Force has transitioned its Space-Based Interceptor (SBI) program from conceptual studies to a concrete development phase. As part of the "Golden Dome" missile defense initiative, the program aims to deploy a constellation of low-Earth-orbit interceptors designed to engage missile threats, including ballistic and hypersonic weapons, during their boost, mid-course, and glide phases.

To support this effort, the Space Force has appointed the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) as the technical director and lead. APL will act as an independent advisor, ensuring architectural consistency and managing technical interfaces between ground, fire-control, and orbital segments while multiple commercial partners develop the system components.

## Claims

- The US Space Force has selected the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory as the technical lead agent for the Space-Based Interceptor (SBI) program. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The Space-Based Interceptor program is a component of the 'Golden Dome' missile defense system proposed by President Donald Trump. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The program aims to utilize a fleet of space-based interceptors to destroy incoming missiles, including ballistic and hypersonic weapons, from orbit. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-08: US Space Force selects technical lead for orbital missile defense

The US Space Force has selected Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory to lead the Space-Based Interceptor program, a key component of the

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-space-force-selects-technical-lead-for-orbital-missile-defense

### 2026-08-03: US Space Force selects Johns Hopkins APL as technical director for interceptor program

U.S. Space Force named Johns Hopkins APL as technical direction agent for its Space-Based Interceptor program, which will develop a low‑Earth‑orbit interceptor constellation to counter missile threats across bo

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-space-force-selects-johns-hopkins-apl-as-technical-director-for-interceptor-program

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Cite as: US Space Force Space-Based Interceptor program development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-space-force-space-based-interceptor-program-development