The Draper engine’s storability and quick-launch capability makes it well-suited to the Golden Dome missile defense system. The Golden Dome was introduced by the Trump administration in a January executive order. The system, inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome system, will be designed as a missile shield capable of intercepting hypersonic and cruise missile attacks.
Though the Draper engine will likely be used for the Golden Dome, reports also emerged last month that SpaceX has been tipped to build the defense system. Since those reports came to light, a group of 42 Democratic lawmakers have published an open letter expressing their concerns over a conflict of interest regarding Musk’s potential role in the Golden Dome system. Musk donated over $250 million to Trump’s election campaign.