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Pentagon Seeks New Way to Watch Space
19 Feb
Summary
- Pentagon seeks proposals for satellites that monitor geosynchronous orbit.
- Companies will build, operate, then transfer systems to government control.
- New approach aims to quickly deploy spacecraft for crucial space surveillance.
The Pentagon is piloting a new satellite acquisition strategy, moving away from traditional methods. Through the Defense Innovation Unit, the agency is soliciting proposals for companies to build and operate satellites that monitor geosynchronous orbit.
These commercially developed systems are expected to be transferred to government ownership and operation within 36 months of their initial award. This approach, utilizing a streamlined contracting process, aims to accelerate the deployment of vital space surveillance capabilities.
Under this new model, selected vendors must deliver high-resolution imagery of space objects within 24 months. The initiative addresses a recognized gap in the U.S. military's ability to monitor space, especially in the strategically important geosynchronous region.
