In architecture, a dome is a hemispherical structure evolved from the arch, typically forming a ceiling or roof [12].
: In April 2026, the U.S. Space Force awarded contracts to 12 companies —including SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman—to begin work on space-based interceptors [18, 20]. 3. Geology In architecture, a dome is a hemispherical structure
: It aims to protect the U.S. homeland against hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missiles , as well as next-generation aerial weapons [1, 29]. : Domes have been constructed from varied materials
: Domes have been constructed from varied materials throughout history, including mud, snow (igloos), stone, brick, concrete, glass, and plastic [13]. " incorporating ground-based interceptors
: The system is designed to be a "system of systems," incorporating ground-based interceptors, ship-borne defenses, and space-based interceptors [18, 19].
In nature, a geologic dome is a curved formation created when magma pushes up surface rock layers without breaking through [10].
: President Trump has stated the goal for the system to be "fully operational" within his term, with an estimated initial cost of $175 billion [2, 25]. However, critics and analysts estimate the long-term cost could reach $844 billion to $1.1 trillion [16].