Boeing’s head of space mission systems, Michelle Parker, has identified two key product lines that align with the Pentagon’s Golden Dome homeland missile defense initiative: the X-37B spaceplane and a series of missile-tracking satellites. These satellites are being developed for the Space Development Agency’s “Foo Fighter” program.
The Pentagon is currently formulating recommendations for its missile defense architecture, which will incorporate advanced sensors and may include a fleet of in-space interceptors aimed at neutralizing enemy missiles. This initial analysis phase focuses on assessing which existing capabilities can be expanded and what new technologies need development.
In an interview with Defense News at the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Parker stated that Boeing’s discussions with the Pentagon concerning Golden Dome have revolved around identifying which production lines could be accelerated and where investments could be made to enhance existing systems with new technology. She emphasized the urgency of delivering capabilities quickly and at scale.
Boeing’s X-37B, an orbital test vehicle first launched in 2010, is not an operational spacecraft but is utilized for various experiments and operational concept tests, many of which remain classified. The reusable spacecraft recently completed its seventh mission in March 2023, showcasing a new aerobraking maneuver that enables orbit changes with minimal fuel consumption. Lessons from this mission are expected to inform future space operations.
So far, Boeing has constructed two X-37Bs and has indicated a capacity for additional units if needed. Parker expressed eagerness to expand production, stating, “We would love to do that, and we believe we can.”
While Parker did not disclose specific details regarding Boeing’s proposals for integrating current capabilities into the Golden Dome architecture, she suggested that the X-37B might play a role in rigorous testing necessary to validate space-based interceptor technology and sensor networks.
In addition to the X-37B, Boeing is active in missile warning and defense systems. Its subsidiary, Millennium Space Systems, is tasked with developing satellites for the Space Force’s Resilient Missile Warning and Missile Tracking layer, as well as providing satellites for the Foo Fighter program. Millennium is under contract to manufacture eight Foo Fighter satellites, complete with ground systems capable of detecting and tracking hypersonic missile threats. These satellites will utilize sensors manufactured by L3Harris.
Millennium recently achieved a key design review milestone for the Foo Fighter program, positioning it to deliver the initial eight satellites by 2026. To accommodate production demands, Boeing is expanding Millennium’s operations within its satellite manufacturing facility, effectively doubling its production capacity. Parker indicated that should the Department of Defense request additional spacecraft, Boeing is well-prepared to meet that demand by potentially employing more automated manufacturing processes to optimize space and efficiency.
Courtney Albon, a reporter for C4ISRNET, specializes in space and emerging technology coverage, having reported on the U.S. military, with a focus on the Air Force and Space Force, since 2012.
