The US Space Development Agency (SDA) is soliciting industry input on how its satellite network can be integrated into the planned “Iron Dome of America” to strengthen its tracking and interception capabilities.
In a “call for executive summaries” released on Tuesday, the agency outlined a request for “novel architecture concepts” that could leverage its Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).
The PWSA is a constellation of hundreds of satellites in low-Earth orbit, offering precise tracking, high-speed communications, missile warning, and other crucial capabilities for military operations.
The SDA is particularly focused on integrating the PWSA’s “Transport Layer” to support multiple weapon systems that may become part of the future US missile shield.
“SDA is interested in industry’s perspective on implementing the Iron Dome for America architecture, and is particularly interested in building on and integrating PWSA’s current contributions to global kill chains and missile defense,” the notice reads.
The agency plans to award one or more contracts for 60-day studies covering modeling, digital simulations, and integration proposals.
‘Iron Dome of America’
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to initiate plans for an American version of Israel’s renowned “Iron Dome.”
Regarded as one of the most effective air defense systems in the world, the Iron Dome has reportedly made over 5,000 interceptions, with a 90 percent success rate.
The system has been extensively used to neutralize rockets fired by Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.
Unlike the Israeli version, which covers a smaller geographic area, the US variant is envisioned to protect a far larger territory, necessitating the integration of space assets.
“Over the past 40 years, rather than lessening, the threat from next-generation strategic weapons has become more intense and complex,” Trump’s executive order states.
The release of the request for information signals the US government’s commitment to advancing the “Iron Dome of America” program.
