"If [lawmakers] don’t figure it out, there is no Golden Dome because there is no funding,” Gen. Michael Guetlein said.

The 36 missile warning and tracking satellites are expected to launch by the end of 2028 in support of Golden Dome.

The newest cost projection comes from a "notional" missile defense architecture that includes systems outlined in the current plan for Golden Dome.

If the demonstration is successful, Project Maverick could lead MDA to fielding an interim counter-hypersonic weapon until the Glide Phase Interceptor is delivered in the 2030s.

The Space Data Network has multiple components and will support a number of Pentagon-wide efforts, including the Golden Dome for America missile defense architecture.

Under the OTA agreements, the 12 firms will develop and demonstrate space-based interceptor prototypes by 2028.

“We were asked to procure some additional space capabilities. So we are at $185 billion for the objective architecture, which delivers way out into the 2035 timeframe,”…

The milestone paves the way for prime contractor BAE Systems to move towards finalizing the design of the missile warning and tracking satellites.

The organization intends to launch selected sensor and seeker prototypes into space for a demonstration no later than two years after it contracts vendors.

Golden Dome risks becoming a system that works beautifully in theory but collapses when America needs it most.