What is Golden Dome missile defense system? Will help US do global surveillance by…., Space X gets mega deal worth Rs…

The United States is moving closer to building a space-based surveillance and missile defense network that could monitor threats across the globe. In a major development, the US Space Force has awarded Elon Musk’s SpaceX a $4.16 billion contract to develop an advanced satellite-tracking system.

The project will form a key part of the proposed Golden Dome missile defense system, which aims to detect and track missiles, drones, and aircraft from space. The system is expected to become operational by 2028.

What is the Golden Dome Missile Defense System?

The Golden Dome is a next-generation missile defense initiative designed to protect the United States from aerial and space-based threats. The project aims to create a layered defense shield capable of detecting, tracking and responding to enemy missiles, drones and aircraft before they can pose a threat.

Unlike traditional defense systems that rely heavily on ground-based radars and surveillance aircraft, the Golden Dome will use a large network of satellites in space to provide continuous monitoring and early warning capabilities.

The initiative is expected to become one of the most ambitious missile defense projects undertaken by the United States.

Why has SpaceX been given a $4.16 billion contract?

The US Space Force selected SpaceX as the first company to participate in the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SBAMTI) programme.

Under the contract, SpaceX will develop a constellation of advanced satellites capable of tracking moving targets from space. These satellites will help identify cruise missiles, drones, military aircraft and other airborne threats in real time.

The project is considered a major step toward transforming military surveillance by shifting critical monitoring functions from aircraft to space-based platforms.

How will the US monitor the world from space?

The satellite network will operate in low Earth orbit and provide wide-area coverage across regions worldwide.

Using advanced sensors, the satellites will continuously scan the Earth’s surface and airspace for potential threats. Once a target is detected, information will be transmitted through secure communication networks to military command centers.

Artificial intelligence and advanced data-processing systems will then analyse the data almost instantly, allowing military officials to respond more quickly to potential threats.

The system is designed to provide near real-time monitoring of missile launches, drone activity and aircraft movements worldwide.

Why is the US moving surveillance into space?

For years, the US military has relied on surveillance aircraft such as the E-3 Sentry and E-7 Wedgetail to track enemy activity.

However, modern military powers have developed sophisticated anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD) systems that can threaten these aircraft in contested regions.

Satellites offer a safer alternative because they can monitor large areas without entering hostile airspace. This allows military forces to maintain surveillance while reducing risks to personnel and aircraft.

The move is expected to improve situational awareness during future conflicts.

How will the new satellite system track missiles and drones?

The SBAMTI system will combine multiple technologies to detect and track threats.

Advanced sensors onboard the satellites will identify moving targets in the air. The information collected will then be sent to ground stations through secure communication links.

Artificial intelligence tools will process the data and help military operators identify threats quickly. This capability could provide early warning of missile launches and drone attacks, giving defense forces more time to react.

The satellite network will work alongside existing surveillance aircraft rather than replacing them completely.

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