The Pentagon aims to conduct the first tests for its futuristic space-based missile defense program by yearend, with flight demonstrations of the unproven technology slated for 2027, people familiar with the matter said.

The key milestones are central to pioneering space-based missile interceptors, a pillar of President Donald Trump’s $185 billion Golden Dome defense shield. The administration has set aside $3.2 billion to develop prototypes of weaponized satellites to shoot down missiles, with potentially tens of billions of dollars in future contracts.

The U.S. Space Force is using an innovative acquisition strategy to attract both traditional and nontraditional vendors, a spokesperson said, adding that details around timelines and specific capabilities would not be released due to operational security.