Trump Administration Consults with Amazon and Others Instead of SpaceX for Golden Dome

"Strategy to Move Away from Starlink at the Center of U.S. Military Communications"

Amazon Kuiper Lags Far Behind SpaceX in Satellite Launch Record and Scale

The Trump administration is reportedly in discussions with Amazon.com's Project Kuiper and major defense contractors regarding the space-based Golden Dome missile defense system, aiming to reduce its reliance on Musk's SpaceX. As a result, SpaceX, previously anticipated to hold a leading position within the Golden Dome system, is now seen as at risk of losing its dominance.

According to Reuters on the 22nd (local time), citing sources, the Trump administration is working with Amazon’s Project Kuiper and major defense industry contractors as partners to build the Golden Dome missile defense system. This is interpreted as a strategic shift away from the Starlink and Starshield satellite networks, which have become the core of U.S. military communications.

The Golden Dome project is part of a space-based defense initiative valued at a total of $175 billion. Sources report that White House officials were already seeking alternatives to SpaceX, even before relations soured between Trump and Musk, out of concern over relying too heavily on a single partner for such a massive segment of space-based defense.

Elon Musk, during an interview with Reuters while he was still assisting the Trump administration, said, "I have never attempted to bid on any contract related to the Golden Dome project." He stated, "SpaceX’s main aspiration is to focus on sending humanity to Mars."

SpaceX remains in a strong position for major aspects of the Golden Dome, especially launch contracts, supported by its scale, the experience of having launched over 9,000 Starlink satellites, and government procurement experience.

Amazon's Kuiper project, led by former Starlink executives dismissed by Musk over slow progress, has launched only 78 of the targeted 3,000 low Earth orbit satellites, and has yet to demonstrate deployment capabilities in the defense field.

Sources say the Department of Defense is also reaching out to new rocket companies like Stoke Space and Rocket Lab.

Golden Dome is similar to Israel’s domestic missile defense system Iron Dome, but requires a much larger and more complex multi-layered defense system, with an expansive orbital satellite network to cover a broader territory.

Last year, the U.S. Congress increased the budget for purchasing satellite communications-based services for space defense from $900 million to $13 billion. This is seen as an effort to stimulate private sector satellite production.

Besides Project Kuiper, traditional defense industry giants Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and L3Harris are also in negotiations to support Golden Dome.

L3Harris said there’s been a surge in interest in missile warning and tracking technology within the system. Northrop is pursuing various efforts, including space-based interceptors capable of countering missile attacks in orbit.

Besides SpaceX, Palantir was also considered an early frontrunner for a significant role in the Golden Dome project. However, the discord between Musk and Trump has reshaped the competitive landscape. Musk recently launched a technology-driven centrist political movement, "Americorps", to counter the Republican Party that favors Trump’s tax and spending policies.

The Golden Dome program will be led comprehensively by Space Force Commander Michael Gatlin.

According to Reuters, however, including commercial platforms like Kuiper in national defense may pose security concerns.

Kuiper’s satellites must be reinforced against cyberattacks and electronic warfare — a challenge also faced by SpaceX’s Starlink network. In May 2024, Elon Musk commented that "considerable resources are being devoted to counter Russia’s jamming operations," calling it a tough issue.

Beyond technological and political challenges, Golden Dome is expected to reshape global security dynamics. A fully operational space-based missile defense network could drive adversaries to develop new offensive capabilities or accelerate the militarization of space.

Kim Jung-ah, guest journalist kja@hankyung.com