Lockheed Martin tests space interceptor by 2028

Lockheed Martin is designing a space-based missile interceptor and aims to test the technology potentially integrated into Donald Trump’s “Golden Dome” defensive shield over the next three years.

Defense contractor revealed this week that it hopes to test Satellite Defense Weapons It can destroy hypersonic missiles by 2028.

If successful, it would mark the first time the United States has deployed an interceptor in space to destroy enemy missiles to reach its homeland. Lockheed is still weighing different technologies, from lasers to dynamic satellites that can manipulate and attack high-speed targets in flight.

“We have the satellite warning and tracking satellite produced by Lockheed Martin in Orbit that provides timely detection and warning of missile threats,” said Amanda Pound, senior capability director at Lockheed Martin Space.

“We are committed to making space interceptors for missile defense a reality, leveraging our decades of experience, investment and industry partnerships to prepare for orbital testing in 2028.”

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Lockheed’s space interceptor program directly supports Trump’s “America Golden Dome” initiative, which debuted in May 2025. The ambitious missile defense concept concept requires armed satellites to be armed into satellite constellations with sensors and interceptors, designed to detect, track and eliminate advanced missile threats, including high-pressure and ammunition weapons, to hit our soil.

The idea echoed President Ronald Reagan’s strategic defense plan in 1983, often known as “Star Wars” and was regarded as science fiction at the time. But today, the traction these technologies once saw is growing rapidly, according to defense leaders.

General Michael Guetlein, appointed by the Trump administration as the Golden Dome, stressed that a key component of the system already exists, with confidence that a ready-to-ready platform could be realized between 2028 and 2028. Nevertheless, it’s not easy.

“Intercepting missiles in orbit is a very evil hard problem,” said Jeff Schrader, vice president of Lockheed’s space division, adding: “But it’s not impossible.”

Analysts warn that the U.S. may need to push thousands of interceptors to orbit for the vision of the Golden Dome. Some compared it to the Cold War-era “Excellent Cobblestone” program, which proposed a similar space missile shield, but was eventually put on hold due to soaring costs and technical obstacles.

The Trump administration hopes to complete the Golden Dome before the president leaves the office. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Golden Dome is currently expected to cost $175 billion, and Congress has approved $25 billion. However, long-term estimates range from $161 billion to over $830 billion over two decades – questions about the program’s affordability and long-term sustainability.

Trump’s “Golden Dome” will require the entire administration work at the scale of the Manhattan project, Space Force generally warns

Meanwhile, Lockheed is strengthening ground missile defense systems to supplement the orbital layer. In March 2025, the company successfully simulated the interception of supersonic medium missiles during the FTX-40 practice.

The company is also advancing infrared seeker technology for interceptors, which will enhance tracking and positioning Fast moving missiles In its terminal phase.

Lockheed hopes to incorporate space-based missile interceptors into the Golden Dome. (Lockheed Martin)

Lockheed remains a center player Pentagon’s wider missile defense and hypersonic weapons Development work. It is the leading contractor for the next generation Interceptor (NGI), which targets initial operating capabilities at the end of the fiscal year 2028.

Meanwhile, the company is fulfilling its naval contract for its conventional timely strike (CPS) treble weapon system. CPS offshore deployment is expected to begin between 2027 and 2028.

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President Trump publicly stated that he hopes to use the Golden Dome to get into operation at the end of his term. But industry officials warn that supply chain restrictions and the Pentagon’s slow moving procurement system will be fully deployed in 2029.