Space Force Selected Two Firms for Orbital Monitoring
The GHOST-R project aims to accelerate the fielding of commercial satellites to track activity in geosynchronous orbit.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Space
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The Defense Innovation Unit and the U.S. Space Force have selected Northrop Grumman and True Anomaly to develop prototype satellites for monitoring geosynchronous Earth orbit. These prototypes are intended to inform the Space Force's RG-XX program, which seeks to modernize its space situational awareness capabilities.
Why it matters
By leveraging commercially developed hardware and buses, the Space Force aims to mitigate technical risk and reduce lifecycle costs for its orbital monitoring fleet. This initiative serves as a path toward transitioning next-generation technology directly into the program of record.
The Andromeda contract currently supports 14 vendors with a total authorized ceiling of $6.2 billion, significantly expanded from its initial $1.8 billion cap. Northrop Grumman will utilize its ESPASat-L spacecraft, while True Anomaly will provide its Jackal platform for the demonstration.
The players
Northrop Grumman
An aerospace and defense conglomerate providing advanced spacecraft buses and orbital infrastructure.
True Anomaly
A developer of spacecraft platforms and mission-operations software for orbital security.
Defense Innovation Unit
A Department of Defense organization focused on accelerating the adoption of commercial technology for national security.
Space Systems Command
The Space Force field command responsible for the acquisition and development of space capabilities.
The details
The joint effort uses the GHOST-R project as a feeder to develop high-resolution imagery capabilities for the RG-XX program. These spacecraft use commercial buses—the structural framework and support systems of a satellite—paired with electro-optical payloads to monitor geosynchronous Earth orbit. The program is designed to eventually shift the Jackal platform from a commercial prototype to a government-owned, government-operated asset.
Timeline
February 2026: DIU announced the GHOST-R effort.
April 2026: Space Systems Command established the RG-XX effort.
May 2026: SSC increased the Andromeda contract ceiling to $6.2 billion.
July 21, 2026: The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites mission launched.
2028: Companies are expected to fly the developed prototypes.
The Tech Race
The RG-XX effort marks a deliberate transition away from the legacy satellites of the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program toward more agile commercial alternatives. This shift aligns with broader efforts across the Space Force to burn down technical risks through rapid prototyping cycles.
This program focuses on procurement and orbital defense, meaning it does not currently change hardware or software for civilian users. The next concrete milestone is the scheduled flight of these prototypes in 2028.
The takeaway
The Space Force is shifting toward a commercial-heavy procurement model to maintain constant oversight of geosynchronous Earth orbit. Watch for the 2028 flight demonstrations as a primary indicator of whether these commercial platforms can meet the reliability requirements of the RG-XX program.
Further reading
For more on evolving orbital infrastructure, visit the Space section.
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