Pentagon mulls placing fleet of military satellites around the Moon

The Pentagon is exploring a military satellite system around the Moon, marking a preliminary move to extend US space surveillance and protection capabilities into cislunar space. The effort reflects officials’ view that the region could become strategically important as the United States and China expand their lunar programmes.

A Department of the Air Force request dated 2 November seeks information from companies on providing up to five spacecraft, each carrying a government-supplied payload, for mission needs targeted for late 2029. The request says these satellites could inform a larger future constellation, but does not commit the military to awarding contracts; responses are due by 24 November.