The Fifth Gate: Authority to Intercept

The Fifth Gate: Authority to Intercept examines a critical distinction in Golden Dome’s emerging space-based interceptor architecture: proving that an interceptor can operate within the system does not establish its authority to engage. Using public government materials and reporting, the paper reviews four development gates covering design, space deployment, orbital performance, and Golden Dome integration. It proposes a conceptual “fifth gate” focused on ensuring that engagement authority remains valid at the final point before action. As distributed interceptors, sensors, command systems, and communications become increasingly connected, the paper argues that architectures must preserve the distinction between technical capability and current authorization.