WASHINGTON, August 12 (HS/RIA Novosti) - US developers of space-based interceptors for the Golden Dome missile defense program are moving to the next stage of testing after successfully completing their initial tests, Bloomberg reported, citing US Space Force General Michael Guetlein, who leads the project.

Bloomberg previously reported, citing sources, that the Pentagon planned to complete the initial tests under the space-based missile defense program by the end of 2026.

According to the news agency, the initial tests included transmitting data from sensors to an interceptor and testing the propulsion systems of their spacecraft.

Speaking to reporters at a conference on Tuesday, Guetlein said the companies were moving on to the next stage: testing their technologies directly in space.

In May 2025, US President Donald Trump unveiled the Golden Dome project, which is estimated to cost nearly $175 billion. The multi-layered shield will integrate land, sea, and space systems to protect the US from missile threats. The first major test is reportedly scheduled for late 2028.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar