Ever wonder what’s really flying around up in Earth’s orbit? Well, the Pentagon is keen to know too, and they’re looking for some innovative help! The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has launched a new mission: to deploy a fleet of commercially-built “spy satellites” to keep a close eye on everything in geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO).
This new program, fittingly named GHOST-R (Geosynchronous High-Resolution Optical Space-Based Tactical Reconnaissance), aims to give the U.S. the ability to see what’s happening 22,000 miles above our heads in near real-time. We’re talking about taking high-resolution pictures of *any* satellite up there – whether it’s an ally’s or a potential adversary’s – and figuring out exactly what it’s for. Think of it as a super-advanced, orbital magnifying glass!
Why is DIU doing this? Simple: cost and capability. While the Space Force already has programs doing a “neighborhood watch” in GEO, GHOST-R is designed to be much more affordable while providing even sharper images and more frequent observations. They want to significantly reduce costs, allowing for better identification, damage assessment, and overall awareness of what’s going on in this critical orbital highway.
DIU is looking for innovative companies that can quickly get these new “eye in the sky” satellites into orbit. They’re asking for a working prototype within 24 months, capable of snapping detailed close-ups of satellites. Eventually, these commercial systems will transition to government control, forming a larger constellation that can regularly check on every major object in GEO. It’s a clear call for private industry to help secure and understand our busy space environment.
