The head of Boeing’s space mission systems division predicts that at least two of the company’s key product lines could be integrated into the Pentagon’s ambitious “Golden Dome” homeland missile defense capability. Those include the mysterious X-37B space plane and a fleet of advanced missile-tracking satellites the company is developing for the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) “Foo Fighter” program.
For the major project, which the Pentagon is still in the process of fleshing out architectural proposals for, it aims to design a system that includes a combination of advanced sensors and a fleet of in-space interceptors that could potentially neutralize enemy missiles. The officials said this initial analysis process includes determining which existing capabilities can be scaled up and which new technologies need to be invested in.
Boeing's 'Golden Dome' Strategy
Boeing’s Michelle Parker told Defense News that the company’s discussions with the Pentagon on the “Gold Dome” project have focused on which existing production lines Boeing can rapidly ramp up and where it can invest over time to integrate new technologies into existing systems.
“The technology aspects of Golden Dome, as well as the ability to get something done quickly and at scale, is critical,” Parker said in an exclusive interview with Defense News at the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. “So what do we have in place right now that can start to be part of that architecture, and then how do we develop those capabilities even further?”
X-37B Space Plane: Test Platform and Production Capacity
Boeing has been continuously developing its orbital test vehicle, the X-2010B, since its first mission in 37. Despite not being a functional spacecraft, the X-37B is actively used to conduct a variety of experiments, many of which are conducted in secrecy, testing maneuverability and operational concepts in orbit.
The special reusable spacecraft successfully returned from its seventh mission last March, during which it demonstrated an innovative aerofoil maneuver that allowed it to change orbits while using minimal fuel. Space Force officials say the valuable information gained from this mission will significantly contribute to future space operations.
Noting that Boeing has produced two X-37Bs so far, Parker emphasized that the company has the capacity to produce more if needed. “We would love to do that and we believe we can do it,” Parker said.
Parker declined to share details of the proposal on how Boeing’s existing capabilities could integrate into the “Gold Dome” architecture. However, the X-37B appears likely to be used as an ideal platform to support a likely rigorous test program that would be required to validate the space-based interceptor technology and extensive sensor network.
Foo Fighter Satellites: Hypersonic Missile Tracking and Production Scaling Up
Boeing also has significant expertise in supporting missile warning and defense programs. The company’s small satellite subsidiary, Millennium Space Systems, is developing satellites critical to the Space Force’s Medium Earth orbit Resilient Missile Warning and Missile Tracking layer. The company is also providing specialized satellites for the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) groundbreaking “Foo Fighter” program.
Millennium Space Systems has been awarded a major contract to build eight “Foo Fighter” satellites and associated ground systems capable of detecting and tracking hypersonic missile threats with high precision. These specialized spacecraft will carry advanced sensors from L3Harris.
Millennium Space Systems recently successfully completed a key design review, a critical phase of the program that puts the company on track to deliver the first eight satellites on time by 2026.
To help efficiently meet Foo Fighter production demands, Boeing has expanded space within Millennium Space Systems’ larger satellite manufacturing plant, Parker said, significantly doubling production capacity. He added that if DOD asks the company to produce more of these specialized spacecraft, Boeing is prepared to meet that demand and is actively exploring ways to create the additional space needed using more automated production tools.
Parker summarized Boeing’s strategy this way: “We try to take an approach where we have stable and active production lines in place. If the demand signal indicates a need for expansion, we can do that expansion within our existing infrastructure.” This approach makes it clear that Boeing is ready to play a major role in critical defense projects like the Pentagon’s “Golden Dome.”
