An idea for a space-based boost-phase defence system called Brilliant Pebbles was proposed towards the end of the 1980s. Rather than having large satellites with multiple missiles, it entailed having around 1,000 small individual missiles in orbit. It would have also used about 60 orbiting sensors called Brilliant Eyes to detect launches.

The deeper push of security into space – seen by President Donald Trump’s announcements this week on the $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense program – represents “a sea change” for geopolitics, an analyst told Reuters.

The race to build Golden Dome, Lawmakers pull all-nighter on Trump's ‘Big, Beautiful Bill,’ Hegseth orders Afghanistan accountability review