The White House's plan for a U.S. missile defense shield will likely face large technical hurdles, cost overruns and delays, but even a system that falls short of its expansive aims would threaten to accelerate the militarization of space and an arms race, as well as add momentum behind the commercialization of space. On June 10, two Republican members of the House of Representatives announced the formation of a Golden Dome Caucus, which will collaborate with one launched in the Senate last month, to provide legislative backing for U.S. President Donald Trump's expansive vision for an antimissile defense system to cover the United States. In remarks made on May 20, Trump estimated that the initiative would cost about $175 billion and would be operational before he leaves office in January 2029. The specifics of the effort are still being developed and many details will remain classified, but Trump said that...
