The U.S. Space Force is seeking industry information about deploying up to five satellites beyond geosynchronous orbit. A November 2, 2026, notice describes a potential initial deployment that could inform the acquisition strategy for a larger cislunar constellation.
According to Air & Space Forces Magazine’s account of the notice, the contemplated spacecraft would be ready for launch in late 2029, with initial operations in 2031. The service could award up to five contracts and is considering funding initial design work as early as 2027.
The activity is an industry inquiry for a proposed Cislunar Space System. The initial satellites would provide operational experience for decisions about a subsequent constellation.
Operating in the Earth–Moon Region
Cislunar operations involve the space between Earth and the Moon, including trajectories influenced by both bodies. An Air Force Research Laboratory primer explains that these trajectories differ from the simpler Earth-centered orbital models commonly used for nearby satellites.
A spacecraft can follow trajectories around the Moon or through regions associated with the Earth–Moon Lagrange points. These are locations defined by the gravitational relationship between the two bodies and their orbital motion. Transfers between trajectories can exploit that gravitational structure.
Station-keeping means making corrections to maintain a selected trajectory. An orbital transfer changes the spacecraft’s path to reach another operational location. Both activities help explain the propulsion capabilities identified in the industry inquiry.
Propulsion and Autonomous Operations
The Space Force seeks information about propulsion systems supporting station-keeping and transfers, together with onboard computing and artificial intelligence for prolonged autonomous operations. Officials have identified communications, navigation, and space domain awareness as areas of interest for the region.
Space domain awareness covers detecting, tracking, and characterizing objects and their activities. The proposed initial spacecraft would help the service evaluate how a larger satellite system could operate beyond geosynchronous orbit.
