As the United States advances its ambitious Golden Dome missile defense strategy, we face a critical question: what constitutes a truly comprehensive defense system? While advanced tracking capabilities, AI-enabled data synthesis, interceptors and directed energy weapons rightfully command attention, we cannot focus solely on the terminal phase of the threat continuum. Effective missile defense must begin well before a missile leaves the ground.

To continue reading this article:

Register now and get
3 free articles every month.

You’ll also receive our weekly SpaceNews This Week newsletter every Friday. Opt-out at any time.

Sign in to an existing account

Get unlimited access to
SpaceNews.com now.

Use code SNLAUNCH for 30% off your first payment.

Subscriptions renew automatically at full price. Cancel anytime. Sales tax may apply. No refunds. Only one discount code valid per subscription.

See all subscription options

Eric Jensen is the CEO of ICEYE US, a company that develops synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, and Vice-Chair of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Space Leadership Council.