Skip to content
Space Force Awards Contracts for New Reconnaissance Satellites

Space Force Awards Contracts for New Reconnaissance Satellites

First seen 1 Oct 2026, 18:05 UTC • •
API

Article Content

Browse articles
ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •October 2, 2026 at 15:08 UTC
  • •The Space Force has contracted Northrop Grumman and True Anomaly for satellite development.
  • •The GHOST-R program aims to enhance reconnaissance capabilities in increasingly contested geosynchronous orbit.
  • •Prototypes are expected to be delivered by 2028, but contract values remain undisclosed.

On September 18, 2026, the U.S. Space Force awarded contracts to Northrop Grumman and True Anomaly for the GHOST-R program, aimed at developing reconnaissance satellites capable of high-resolution space-to-space imagery. These satellites will operate in geosynchronous orbit (GEO), which has become increasingly congested and contested. Northrop Grumman will deliver a compact prototype satellite using its ESPASat-L platform, while True Anomaly will provide its Jackal autonomous orbital vehicle. The contracts are part of a broader initiative to enhance space domain awareness and reconnaissance capabilities, with prototypes expected by 2028. The exact value of the contracts has not been disclosed. The GHOST-R program is for tracking and characterizing objects in GEO, which is essential for national security.

Start a free Starter trial for enhanced analysis

Ask AI about this cluster

Updated 14d ago How this analysis works

Timeline

2026-09-18
Contracts awarded for GHOST-R program
The U.S. Space Force awarded contracts to Northrop Grumman and True Anomaly for developing reconnaissance satellites.
Defensenews
2026-09-18
True Anomaly selected for GHOST-R
True Anomaly will deliver its Jackal spacecraft for the GHOST-R mission, enhancing GEO reconnaissance capabilities.
True Anomaly
2026-09-18
Northrop Grumman to deliver satellite prototype
Northrop Grumman will provide a prototype satellite using its ESPASat-L platform for the GHOST-R program.
Northrop Grumman

More articles in this cluster (4)

Following this threat?

Track Northrop Grumman in your own feed — you're alerted when they show up in new reporting, leak sites or exploitation.

Free account · no card needed

Extracted Entities (2)

1 / 2

Common questions

What is the GHOST-R program?
GHOST-R is a U.S. Space Force initiative to develop reconnaissance satellites for high-resolution imaging in geosynchronous orbit.
Who are the contractors for GHOST-R?
The Space Force has contracted Northrop Grumman and True Anomaly for the GHOST-R program.
When are the prototypes expected to be delivered?
The prototypes for the GHOST-R program are expected to be delivered by 2028.