# Pentagon Explores Deploying Military Satellite Constellation Near the Moon The US military signals intent to extend surveillance capabilities into cislunar space. - **Source:** [Science - Ars Technica](https://arstechnica.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/480e01ee-9f33-42fd-b21f-373a4276b43d ## Cislunar Strategic Expansion The US military has officially issued a Request for Information regarding the deployment of a proliferated cislunar satellite constellation. This initiative marks a significant shift in operational focus, moving beyond traditional Earth-centric orbits. The project aims to establish a persistent presence in the region surrounding the Moon for undisclosed mission objectives. ## Current Orbital Limitations Existing US military satellite infrastructure is currently restricted to geostationary orbit, located approximately 22,000 miles or 36,000 kilometers above the equator. These assets primarily handle routine surveillance and missile warning data. Expanding into cislunar space represents a massive leap in distance, requiring new technologies to maintain communication and control over such vast ranges. ## Policy-Driven Strategic Shift The move follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump last December, which redefined national space policy. This directive explicitly mandates that the US government must possess the capability to detect, characterize, and counter threats to national interests. The policy framework now extends from low-Earth orbit all the way to lunar space. ## Leadership Prioritizes Lunar Reach Major General Stephen Purdy, the Space Force's acquisitions chief for advanced programs, has publicly confirmed that military leadership is taking lunar operations seriously. Recent statements from Purdy indicate that the Pentagon is actively reevaluating its long-term space posture. This transition reflects a broader institutional commitment to securing dominance in emerging extraterrestrial domains. ## Procurement Process Initiated By publishing the request on a federal procurement website, the Pentagon is soliciting industry input on how to execute this complex mission. The government is seeking information on technical feasibility and potential deployment strategies for a constellation of satellites. This formal inquiry is the first step toward defining the program's scope and requirements. ## Defining Cislunar Security Cislunar space refers to the vast region of space around the Moon, which is becoming a focal point for international space competition. The Pentagon's interest suggests that the military views this area as a critical theater for future security operations. Protecting assets in this deep space environment poses unique challenges for orbital mechanics. ## Technological and Operational Hurdles Deploying a constellation near the Moon requires overcoming significant technical barriers related to signal latency and power management. Unlike geostationary satellites, lunar assets must navigate complex gravitational influences while maintaining constant contact with Earth-based command centers. The military must now determine how to scale its existing surveillance capabilities to meet these requirements. ## Future Strategic Implications The development of a lunar satellite network signals a new era of space-based defense planning. As the US military prepares to extend its reach, the focus will likely remain on monitoring activities that could threaten national security. This project will fundamentally alter how the Pentagon manages its space assets in the coming decades. ## Sources covering this story - https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/11/us-military-notionally-interested-in-satellite-constellation-around-moon/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._