The Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman a contract worth up to $21.9 million to provide planning for mission integration and software development approaches for the ground-based processing segment on the Alternative Infrared Satellite System research and development program, according to a company release. The Air Force is pursuing AIRSS as an alternate to the Space-Based Infrared System satellite. Earlier this year, Northrop received a $24.8 million contract to define performance requirements.
Golden Dome Details Begin to Emerge
Dec. 7, 2025
The Golden Dome air and missile defense shield to protect the United States will have some “operational capability” in 2028, the program’s leader said Dec. 6 at the Reagan National Defense Forum.

