U.S. Space Force Launches $1.8B Andromeda Orbital Tracking Program

The new IDIQ contract will support space domain awareness systems from 14 companies over the next decade.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:03am

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A highly structured abstract painting in soft blues, greens, and grays, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals, conceptually representing the complex systems needed to track and monitor objects in Earth's orbit.The U.S. Space Force's new Andromeda program will leverage advanced space domain awareness systems to track and monitor the growing activity in Earth's orbit.El Segundo Today

The U.S. Space Force has awarded a $1.843 billion multiple-award contract to 14 companies under its new Andromeda program, which is designed to support the procurement of space-based systems used to track, identify, and monitor objects in orbit. The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, issued by Space Systems Command in California, will run through 2036 and includes a mix of established defense contractors and newer commercial space firms.

Why it matters

As military and commercial activity in space continues to grow, the Andromeda program aims to give the U.S. Space Force better visibility across an increasingly crowded and strategically important space environment. The contract structure allows the government to quickly issue task orders to the selected vendors as new requirements emerge, accelerating the procurement of next-generation orbital awareness capabilities.

The details

The Andromeda program is focused on space domain awareness, which includes detecting, tracking, and characterizing satellites, debris, and potentially hostile activity in orbit. The contract will support the development of sensors, satellites, and supporting systems needed to give U.S. operators a clearer picture of what is happening in space. By including both large defense contractors and newer commercial space firms, the Space Force is widening its industrial base for future orbital surveillance and monitoring programs.

  • The $1.843 billion Andromeda contract was awarded on April 7, 2026.
  • The IDIQ contract runs through April 8, 2036.

The players

Space Systems Command

The U.S. Space Force command that awarded the Andromeda contract, located in El Segundo, California.

Anduril Industries

One of the 14 companies selected for the Andromeda contract, known for its work on autonomous systems and commercial space platforms.

Lockheed Martin

A long-established supplier of defense space systems that was selected for the Andromeda contract.

True Anomaly

A newer commercial space firm focused on responsive spacecraft development that was awarded a spot on the Andromeda contract.

Intuitive Machines

A commercial space company that was included in the Andromeda contract, underscoring the Space Force's increasing reliance on the commercial sector.

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What’s next

The Space Force will now begin issuing task orders to the 14 selected companies under the Andromeda IDIQ contract as new space domain awareness requirements emerge over the next decade.

The takeaway

The Andromeda program represents the Space Force's commitment to building a more resilient and responsive orbital awareness capability, leveraging both traditional defense contractors and innovative commercial space firms to maintain visibility in an increasingly crowded and strategically important space environment.