DOD Seeks Commercial Satellites to Monitor Other Satellites

New 'Ghost Recon' project aims to improve space domain awareness through private sector innovation.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Defense is turning to commercial satellite providers to develop high-resolution space-to-space imaging and surveillance capabilities. The 'Ghost Recon' project, managed by the Defense Innovation Unit, seeks cost-effective solutions that can monitor both friendly and adversarial satellites in geosynchronous orbit within a tight timeline.

Why it matters

This initiative highlights the Pentagon's growing reliance on commercial space technologies to address critical capability gaps. By leveraging private sector innovation, the DOD aims to improve its ability to characterize, track, and identify satellites - both its own and those of potential adversaries - in the increasingly contested space domain.

The details

The 'Ghost Recon' project, formally known as the Geosynchronous High-Resolution Optical Space-Based Tactical Reconnaissance project, requires satellites that can be launched within two years of contract award. Within three years, the government will take ownership and operation of the satellites, which must demonstrate the ability to perform at least one close-range inspection per week during the first year of government operations. The focus is on affordability and scalability, with the DIU seeking innovative designs that can deliver high-resolution imagery and accurate object characterization at a lower cost than traditional, government-developed programs.

  • The DIU is seeking satellites that can be launched within two years of contract award.
  • Within three years, the government will seize ownership and operation of the satellites.
  • By year four, these platforms must demonstrate the ability to perform at least one close-range inspection per week during the first year of government operations.

The players

Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)

The DIU is the only DoD organization focused on accelerating the adoption of commercial technology at speed and scale.

Department of Defense (DOD)

The U.S. Department of Defense is turning to the commercial sector to develop high-resolution space-to-space imaging and surveillance capabilities.

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What’s next

The DIU is seeking proposals for the 'Ghost Recon' project by the March 3 deadline.

The takeaway

This project is indicative of the Pentagon's growing reliance on commercial space capabilities to address critical gaps in space domain awareness. By leveraging private sector innovation, the DOD aims to improve its ability to monitor and characterize both friendly and adversarial satellites in the increasingly contested space domain.