The Trump administration has announced plans to conduct the first test of the 'Golden Dome' space-based missile defense system in late 2028, aiming to fulfill Trump's ambitious goal of completing the project within three years.

Designed as a multi-billion-dollar initiative, the Golden Dome system is intended to serve as a space-based shield capable of intercepting missiles targeting the United States from any location.

The Pentagon has scheduled this major test as part of President Trump's initiative to enhance national security through advanced missile defense technology.

However, the development of the Golden Dome system faces significant technological hurdles and financial costs, raising concerns that it could provoke other nations to pursue their own space weaponization efforts.

Defense officials recognize that the ambitious three-year timeline for the project is challenging, given the technical complexities involved in space-based missile interception.

Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein, who leads the Golden Dome initiative, has pointed out the economic and logistical challenges of producing a sufficient number of satellites for effective coverage.

Numerous companies, including SpaceX, Anduril, and Palantir, are competing for contracts to develop the Golden Dome system, with direct pitches being made to key officials.

There are concerns among defense officials that the rapid pace of the program's development may compromise necessary oversight and the adequacy of testing.

Space-based missile defense offers the advantage of intercepting threats earlier in their trajectory, overcoming geographical limitations and targeting missiles when they are slower and easier to hit.

Some of the technologies required for the Golden Dome system are already undergoing testing, with companies like Northrop Grumman developing space-based interceptors.

The Missile Defense Agency will oversee the upcoming test, named FTI-X, which aims to evaluate the system's integrated sensor and weapon capabilities against multiple targets.

The project is projected to cost hundreds of billions of dollars, with an initial allocation of $25 billion already provided in Trump's spending cuts package.