Anduril and Impulse Space develop orbital interceptors for Golden Dome defense system

Defense technology firm Anduril Industries has partnered with satellite startup Impulse Space to develop space-based interceptor capabilities for President Donald Trump's proposed Golden Dome missile defense shield. The collaboration represents a significant expansion of orbital defense ambitions, moving beyond ground and sea-based systems to satellites capable of engaging ballistic and hypersonic threats during midcourse flight phases. Impulse Space, founded by former SpaceX propulsion chief Tom Mueller, contributes rapid satellite deployment expertise while Anduril provides systems integration and military customer relationships. The Golden Dome concept, named after Israel's Iron Dome but scaled for continental defense, faces substantial technical and cost challenges that have stalled previous space-based interceptor programs. Congressional appropriators have not yet funded the full system, though research and development contracts continue through defense budgets. Analysts note the Anduril-Impulse partnership reflects growing private sector confidence in military space applications despite historical Pentagon reluctance to rely on commercial satellite operators for strategic defense missions.