Space-based Interceptors
Space-based interceptors (SBIs) expand America’s intercept capability into another warfighting domain: space. Northrop Grumman is currently developing and testing SBI technology.
SBIs are a critical homeland defense layer that improves the performance of Golden Dome for America. SBIs can defeat missile threats earlier in their trajectory than today’s interceptors, eliminating the threat furthest from the homeland and preventing the missile from releasing additional threats and decoys during its path.
First Up: SBIs
SBIs will be the new ‘first up’ in our nation’s missile defense architecture — the first to see, engage and intercept the threat. Interceptors launched from space from orbiting satellites, SBIs are the ultimate “Eagles Nest” over Earth.
When it comes to missile defeat, there’s no single solution that can address every threat. Golden Dome is a layered, integrated architecture, with each layer — including SBIs — playing its part to eliminate all threats.
Critical Capabilities
SBIs will need access to fused data from space-based missile warning and tracking systems, like Next-Gen OPIR Polar and the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture Tracking Layer, both of which Northrop Grumman is developing.
Sustainable interceptor architectures require reliable propulsion. As the world’s leading solid rocket motor (SRM) producer, Northrop Grumman has invested over $1 billion in SRM manufacturing capacity since 2018 and we stand ready to meet the nation’s needs for solid rockets for its interceptors, whether launched from land, sea, air or space.