Us Military Eyes Space For Super-Sleek Spy Network

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is seeking commercially developed imagery satellites to provide on-orbit spying capabilities for the US military. The new Geosynchronous High-Resolution Optical Space-Based Tactical Reconnaissance (GHOST-R) program aims to rapidly deploy satellites that can take close-ups of other spacecraft in geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO), allowing for near real-time tracking and characterization of their purposes.

The GHOST-R program is part of the Pentagon’s efforts to improve space domain awareness, particularly in the GEO region. By leveraging commercially developed satellites, DIU hopes to achieve high-resolution image collection at a lower price point compared to existing programs such as the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) neighborhood watch constellation and its successor, RG-XX.

To meet specific requirements, proposed satellites must reduce costs while achieving high-resolution image collection, increased collection frequency, and detailed characterization of resident space objects (RSOs) in GEO. Successful deployment will significantly improve GEO RSO characterization, battle damage assessment, positive identification, and combat identification.

Bidders must provide within 24 months of an award a “minimal viable product” comprising a high-resolution electro-optical (EO) image of a GEO-stationed satellite using a commercially operated space vehicle. The resolution should be precise enough to take a clear image of a medium-sized satellite (about 700 kilograms) from no closer than 10 kilometers.

Within 36 months, the winning vendors must transition their satellite and ground operations from a contractor-owned/operated system to a government-owned/operated one. Finally, within 48 months, the satellite should demonstrate the ability to perform at least one pass by a target spacecraft per week through the first year of government operations.

Proposed satellites must meet Defense Department cybersecurity requirements and be designed for a three-year lifespan. The bus and primary payload systems must show a proven space heritage by 2028, indicating that the technology has been tested and validated in previous missions.

In addition to meeting these technical requirements, bidders must also demonstrate a plan for scaling up a constellation that can maintain a 30-day revisit rate for every GEO space object listed in US Space Command’s publicly available catalog, Space-Track.org, over a 10-year period. This will enable the satellites to keep track of multiple targets simultaneously and ensure continuous monitoring of the GEO region.

The DIU is seeking proposals from vendors that can meet these requirements and demonstrate the capabilities of their proposed satellites. Interested companies have until March 3 to submit their proposals. The selection process will evaluate the technical merit, cost effectiveness, and overall feasibility of each proposal.

The development of commercial imagery satellites for on-orbit spying represents an exciting opportunity for the US military to leverage innovative technologies and reduce costs. By partnering with industry leaders, DIU can tap into the latest advancements in space technology and ensure that the US remains at the forefront of space domain awareness.

This approach has already shown promise in other areas, such as the development of reusable rockets and satellite constellations. By embracing this model, DIU can accelerate the pace of innovation and ensure that the US military remains equipped with the latest capabilities to detect and respond to emerging threats.

The potential benefits of the GHOST-R program are significant. With on-orbit spying capabilities, the US military can gain a deeper understanding of the activities of adversary satellites, as well as those of friendly allies. This will enable more effective coordination and cooperation between nations, while also enhancing the overall security posture of the US.

Furthermore, the development of commercial imagery satellites can have spin-off benefits for other industries, such as Earth observation and remote sensing. These technologies can be used to monitor environmental changes, track weather patterns, and provide critical data for disaster response and recovery efforts.

The successful deployment of commercial imagery satellites will demonstrate the feasibility of this approach and pave the way for future programs that can address complex space domain awareness challenges. By addressing these challenges head-on, DIU can ensure that the US military remains equipped with the latest capabilities to protect national interests in a rapidly evolving space environment.