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The Iron Dome for America – The White House
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including my authority as Commander in Chief
www.whitehouse.gov
The Iron Dome for America
The Iron Dome for America Executive Order, issued on January 27, 2025, establishes a national policy to develop and deploy a next-generation missile defense shield to protect the United States against advanced aerial threats, including ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles. The order highlights the increasing complexity of global missile threats and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive, space-based, and multi-layered defense system. It directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a detailed implementation plan within 60 days, outlining the architecture, capabilities, and funding strategies necessary to accelerate the deployment of key technologies such as space-based interceptors, early warning sensors, and non-kinetic defense mechanisms. Additionally, the order mandates a strategic assessment of threats and a prioritized plan for defending critical U.S. infrastructure against nuclear and other countervalue attacks.
Furthermore, the order reinforces U.S. commitments to allied and theater missile defense, calling for increased cooperation with partner nations to enhance collective defense capabilities. The Department of Defense is tasked with reviewing and improving missile defense postures for forward-deployed U.S. forces and allied populations while fostering bilateral and multilateral initiatives in technology development. While the directive outlines ambitious goals for missile defense modernization, it explicitly states that its implementation is subject to available funding and does not create enforceable legal rights. This policy marks a significant shift toward a more proactive and robust homeland missile defense strategy, seeking to deter potential adversaries and secure the nation's long-term strategic interests.
SAM.gov
Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Capabilities in response to Executive Order "The Iron Dome for America"
The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to explore innovative missile defense technologies and architectures in response to the Executive Order "The Iron Dome for America." The agency seeks industry input on capabilities to detect and counter ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missile threats, with an emphasis on space-based and non-kinetic solutions. The RFI outlines multiple lines of effort, including hypersonic and ballistic tracking, space-based interceptors, and supply chain security. MDA has defined specific time epochs for capability demonstrations, ranging from 2026 to beyond 2030. Industry participants are invited to submit detailed technical proposals, including cost estimates and risk assessments, by February 28, 2025. An Industry Day and one-on-one sessions will be held in February 2025 to facilitate collaboration, but MDA does not guarantee a future acquisition based on submissions.
Missile Defense Agency asks industry for American 'Iron Dome' concepts - Breaking Defense
The agency's RFI seeks capabilities that can be deployed in "epochs" starting in 2026, and running in two year increments to "beyond" Dec. 31 2030.
What is Trump's Iron Dome for America? A next-generation missile shield and a return to Reagan's 'Star Wars' program
Trump's push follows in the footsteps of Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative, a scrapped program popularly called "Star Wars."
Russia Slams Trump’s Plan for ‘Iron Dome’ Missile Defense System - The Moscow Times
Authorities in Moscow on Friday criticized U.S.
https://thestockexchange.com.au/threads/hypersonic.1094/
The "Hypersonic" thread discusses the growing global focus on hypersonic missile threats and defense technologies. It covers US military projects, international collaborations, space-based tracking systems, and AI-driven defense solutions. The thread also highlights BrainChip's Akida neuromorphic processor and its potential role in missile tracking, cybersecurity, and space applications.
Key Points:
- Hypersonic Missile Threats: Increasing concern over China and Russia’s advancements in hypersonic weapons.
- Missile Defense Initiatives:
- US developing a multi-layered defense system.
- AI-enabled missile tracking and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites for real-time detection.
- BrainChip & Neuromorphic Computing:
- Akida processor may play a role in real-time threat detection and cybersecurity.
- Quantum Ventura & DARPA working on hypersonic threat detection AI.
- International Collaborations:
- AUKUS partnership (US, UK, Australia) focusing on missile defense, AI, and quantum tech.
- Japan-US alliance working on radar and tracking systems for missile detection.
- Space-Based Tracking Systems:
- US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) investing in satellite-based hypersonic missile tracking.
- Companies like L3Harris, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman involved in space-based defense projects.
https://thestockexchange.com.au/threads/f-e-n-c-e.1535/
The FENCE (Fast Event-based Neuromorphic Camera and Electronics) thread discusses DARPA's development of neuromorphic infrared (IR) cameras for low-latency, low-power military applications. These brain-inspired event-based cameras are being designed in collaboration with Raytheon, BAE Systems, and Northrop Grumman to improve missile tracking, surveillance, and defense capabilities.
Key Points:
- DARPA’s FENCE Program:
- Developing neuromorphic infrared cameras that only detect changes in pixels, reducing data and power consumption.
- Aims to improve tracking of fast-moving targets in military and space applications.
- Contracts awarded to Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and BAE Systems.
- Neuromorphic Camera Capabilities:
- Operates asynchronously and only transmits relevant pixel changes.
- Reduces latency and power consumption by over 100x compared to traditional cameras.
- Expected to be used in autonomous vehicles, robotics, defense, and missile tracking.
- DARPA & Government Funding:
- $25M in contracts awarded to Raytheon and $14M to Northrop Grumman.
- Development includes low-power readout circuits, spatio-temporal processing, and infrared detection.
- US Department of Defense (DoD) funding for testing and integration in 2023-2024.
- Future Applications:
- US military applications: AI-driven surveillance, missile defense, and advanced optics.
- Commercial potential: Self-driving cars, robotics, augmented reality, and cybersecurity.
- Integration of AI, quantum computing, and neuromorphic engineering into next-gen defense systems.
https://thestockexchange.com.au/threads/brainchip-nasa.3316/
The BrainChip + NASA threadhighlights BrainChip's Akida neuromorphic processor and its potential role in space and defense applications. The forum explores NASA's involvement with BrainChip, including radiation-hardened AI chips for space missions, potential small satellite (CubeSat) applications, and broader implications for autonomous spacecraft and AI-driven navigation.
Key Points:
- BrainChip's Akida Processor in Space Applications:
- Collaboration with VORAGO Technologies for radiation-hardened neuromorphic AI in NASA Phase I programs.
- Akida is suited for spaceflight due to its low power consumption, incremental learning, and high efficiency.
- NASA/Ames Research Center (ARC) has acquired Akida Early Access Evaluation Kits.
- NASA's AI & Neuromorphic Processing Initiatives:
- Development of radiation-hardened AI processors for satellites, space probes, and autonomous systems.
- Akida's spiking neural network (SNN) architecture enables real-time learning and adaptive decision-making in space.
- NASA's SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) projects include neuromorphic processors for robotic vision, navigation, and communication.
- NASA & Defense Applications:
- Military and defense organizations such as DARPA, AFRL (Air Force Research Laboratory), and MDA are involved in neuromorphic AI research.
- Potential synergy with defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and the U.S. Air Force.
- Commercial & Non-NASA Applications:
- Neuromorphic AI for autonomous vehicles, robotics, and cybersecurity.
- Integration into small satellites (SmallSats & CubeSats) for deep-space missions.
https://thestockexchange.com.au/threads/brainchip-quantum-ventura.17329/
The thread discusses Quantum Ventura's research in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, focusing on real-time video analytics and threat detection. These technologies could be relevant to missile defense systems, particularly in securing AI-driven tracking networks.
https://thestockexchange.com.au/threads/microsoft-azure.1532/
The RAMP (Rapid Assured Microelectronics Prototypes) program and Azure Space initiatives highlight Microsoft's role in secure microelectronics development for defense, aerospace, and AI-driven applications. Microsoft, in collaboration with leading semiconductor and defense companies, is spearheading cloud-based AI, secure chip design, and space-focused computing.
Key Points:
1. Secure Microelectronics & RAMP Program
- Microsoft and IBM were awarded a $24.5M DoD contract for RAMP to support AI, 5G, quantum computing, and defense technologies.
- Microsoft is working with BAE Systems, GlobalFoundries, Raytheon, Siemens EDA, Cadence Design Systems, and Northrop Grumman to develop custom chips for military and aerospace applications.
- Focus: Lower power consumption, improved performance, reduced physical size, and enhanced reliability for mission-critical defense systems.
- Cloud-powered solution: The RAMP platform is hosted on Azure Government, ensuring AI-driven automation and security for semiconductor manufacturing.
2. AI & Space Applications
- Azure Space is integrating AI, cloud, and secure microelectronics for space-based computing.
- Collaboration with SpaceX & Starlink to provide high-speed, low-latency satellite broadband for Azure-powered data centers.
- Azure Orbital partnership with SES enables global satellite data integration.
- Microsoft works with Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and the U.S. Air Force on cloud-based satellite analytics and AI-enhanced space
3. Defense & National Security Applications
- Azure cloud computing is expanding into secure defense systems for the U.S. Navy, Air Force, and DoD.
- Microsoft partners with Ball Aerospace and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to develop AI-powered space analytics for military applications.
- Integration of Microsoft AI in avionics, secure satellite communications, and AI-enhanced radar systems.
https://thestockexchange.com.au/threads/northrop-grumman-neuromorphic.4479/
Northrop Grumman is advancing neuromorphic computing, superconducting processors, and event-based vision systems for autonomous robotics, defense, and space applications.
Key Points:
1. Neuromorphic Computing
- BrainChip, IBM, and Northrop Grumman developed a self-driving robot using deep convolutional neural networks on neuromorphic hardware (IBM TrueNorth NS1e).
- The system enables real-time path navigation with low power consumption, demonstrating the potential for AI-driven autonomous systems in extreme environments.
2. Superconducting Neuromorphic Processors
- Northrop Grumman patented a superconducting neuromorphic core, designed for high-speed, low-power AI processing.
- These processors simulate biological neurons more efficiently than traditional semiconductor-based AI.
- Benefits include:
- Faster operations per second per watt compared to traditional AI chips.
- Scalability for large-scale neural networks.
- Real-time adaptability for defense and aerospace applications.
3. AI-Powered Autonomous Decision Systems
- Northrop Grumman's OODA loop (Observe-Orient-Decide-Act) system integrates AI and neuromorphic computing to enable cognitive autonomous agents for real-time military applications.
- Features:
- Sense, model, decide, and act components.
- Edge computing capabilities for rapid decision-making.
- Integration with neuromorphic vision systems.
4. Optical & Event-Based Imaging Systems
- Neuromorphic cameras and event-based imagers are being developed
- These cameras:
- Only transmit changes in light flux, significantly reducing data load and latency.
- Mimic human vision, improving real-time situational awareness for defense, drones, and autonomous systems.
- Enable AI-driven analysis with minimal power consumption.
https://thestockexchange.com.au/threads/brainchip-rtx.260422/
This discussion highlights a potential collaboration between BrainChip, Prophesee, and RTX (Raytheon Technologies). The integration of BrainChip’s neuromorphic processors with Prophesee’s neuromorphic vision sensors could support RTX’s missile defense developments, particularly in improving real-time target detection and tracking in low-light conditions.
Department of Defense – FY 2022 Budget Estimates
Program: 624846 – Spacecraft Payload Technologies
Space-Based Detector Technologies
Original Text:
Description:
Develop advanced infrared device technologies that enable hardened space detector arrays with improved detection to perform acquisition, tracking, and discrimination of space objects and missile warning.
FY 2021 Plans:
- Begin design, development, and assessment of low-cost, high-volume infrared detectors and focal plane arrays for proliferated space architecture layers.
- Begin development of focal plane array optical data outputs for higher speed and data throughput and begin radiation tolerance characterization of photonic devices.
- Begin development of alternative infrared focal plane array materials and device architectures.
- Continue development of resilient scanning and staring digital focal plane arrays.
- Complete development of 8192 x 8192 pixels, 10-micron pixel pitch focal plane arrays hardened to the natural space environment and focused photons to enable whole-Earth staring for Launch Detection and Missile Warning missions.
FY 2022 Plans:
- Continue design, development, and assessment of low-cost, high-volume infrared detectors and focal plane arrays for proliferated space architecture layers.
- Continue development of focal plane array optical data outputs for higher speed and data throughput and continue radiation tolerance characterization of photonic devices.
- Continue development of alternative infrared focal plane array materials and device architectures.
- Complete development of resilient scanning and staring digital focal plane arrays.
- Initiate development and assessment of event-based sensing concepts and hardware.
- Initiate development of high dynamic range, laser-hardened 8192 x 8192 pixels, 10-micron pixel pitch focal plane arrays.
Space Electronics Research
Original Text:
Description:
Develop technologies for space-based payload components such as radiation-hardened electronic devices, microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices, and advanced electronics packaging.
FY 2021 Plans:
- Continue leadership role in Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Systems Engineering trusted and assured microelectronics strategy efforts by development of trusted manufacturing techniques that reduce risk to National Security Space systems.
- Improve benchmarking capabilities on state-of-the-art electronics using latest spacecraft algorithms and transitioning results to acquisition community to enable data-informed payload architecture design decisions.
- Initiate complete space qualification planning for next-generation space processor and begin implementing the plan.
- Continue development of alternative memory approaches for high-density memory needed for next-generation space systems.
- Continue research and development of ultra-low power and neuromorphic/cortical processing architectures to enable game-changing capabilities in future National Security Space systems.
- Continue advanced transistor research and development, and transition techniques to mainstream manufacturing.
FY 2022 Plans:
- Continue leadership role in trusted microelectronics strategy efforts to develop secure manufacturing techniques that reduce risk to National Security Space systems.
- Continue benchmarking capabilities on new electronics using the latest spacecraft algorithms and transitioning results to acquisition teams.
- Complete space qualification planning for next-generation space processors.
- Complete alternative memory approaches development.
- Continue research and development of neuromorphic/cortical processing architectures and advanced transistor research to enable game-changing capabilities.
- Initiate small satellite, high-performance processing to enable on-orbit autonomy, data fusion, and machine learning.
Combined Explanation:
The Space-Based Detector Technologies and Space Electronics Research programs focus on enhancing infrared detection, secure microelectronics, and AI-driven processing for missile defense.
- Infrared Sensors & Focal Plane Arrays (FPAs)
- 8192 x 8192 pixel FPAs provide high-resolution whole-Earth missile tracking.
- Event-based sensing improves real-time tracking of hypersonic missiles by detecting changes instantly, reducing response time.
- Laser-hardened FPAs ensure systems remain functional against directed energy attacks.
- Radiation-Hardened Electronics & Secure Microelectronics
- Trusted manufacturing techniques safeguard defense electronics from foreign interference.
- Radiation-resistant chips ensure reliability in space-based tracking systems.
- Neuromorphic AI & Space-Based Processing
- Low-power neuromorphic processors enable real-time, on-orbit decision-making for missile interception.
- Small satellite AI systems improve autonomous tracking and data fusion for hypersonic defense.
These advancements enhance early warning capabilities, secure supply chains, and enable AI-powered autonomous missile defense systems.
As you can see this is a subject I've been researching for nearly 4 years. Very interested to know what proposals will be submitted to the MDA and how many if these threads have captured the neuromorphic solutions.
How many neuromorphic chips are production ready and have been to space?
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