Space Force set to release solicitation for prototypes of space-based interceptors
The Space Force plans to release a solicitation in early December for space-based interceptors (SBIs) able to conduct kinetic midcourse missile defense, according to the service’s acquisition arm.
The upcoming request for proposals will be posted Dec. 7 by the program executive office for space combat power, according to a pre-solicitation that was recently published by Space Systems Command (SSC). The notice states that the Space Force is expected to give out “multiple fixed price Other Transaction Agreements” for prototypes, with the intent to award deals in February 2026.
Space-based interceptors are one of the key capabilities under President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome initiative, which aims to develop and build a sprawling missile defense shield to protect against adversary attacks on the homeland. According to the White House, the plan for the architecture includes legacy systems as well as new technologies — many of which are space-based capabilities — with the goal of being “fully operational” by 2028.
While the executive order directing the project called on the Pentagon to develop a constellation of SBIs for boost-phase interception — during the first stage of an intercontinental ballistic missile’s flight path — incorporating midcourse SBIs would offer additional defensive capabilities. The interceptors would be designed to defeat incoming ICBM threats during the longest phase of their flight, where they travel through space before reentering the atmosphere.
SSC may also “incorporate Prize Competitions” for the upcoming awards, according to the pre-solicitation. The model would be similar to how the service is conducting its competition for boost-phase SBIs, according to a report from Breaking Defense.
The pre-solicitation did not include any specific requirements for the midcourse SBIs beyond the fact that it the service is interested in kinetic options. In missile defense parlance, the term “kinetic” generally refers to missiles or other projectiles that destroy their target by colliding with them.
Companies interested in competing for the award are being asked to apply for additional bidding documents by Dec. 4.
