Core Points - The U.S. President Trump announced the development plan for a space-based missile defense system named "Gold Dome," which is expected to be fully operational within three years [1][2] - The total cost of the "Gold Dome" system is estimated at approximately $175 billion, with an initial funding of $25 billion to be allocated in the upcoming fiscal year budget [2] - Trump aims to complete the project before the end of his term and noted that Canada has expressed interest in the system for its own protection [3] Historical Context - The concept of a space-based missile defense system dates back to the Cold War and was initially proposed during Reagan's presidency as the "Strategic Defense Initiative," commonly referred to as "Star Wars" [4] - The "Gold Dome" system is intended to consist of thousands of small satellites for missile detection and interception, a significant evolution from previous defense initiatives [4] - An executive order signed by Trump in January mandated the Department of Defense to submit a reference architecture and implementation plan for the defense system within 60 days [4] Challenges and Criticism - The "Gold Dome" system has faced skepticism from media and experts regarding its technical feasibility and funding arrangements, with concerns that the proposed timeline may complicate its implementation [5] - The project has been criticized for potentially escalating the arms race in space, as it is viewed as a response to perceived threats that have not materialized against the U.S. homeland [5]