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U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (USSF SSC) is exploring the possible lease of commercial small and medium satellites able to maneuver in Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO) to detect threats and speed data provision to military forces.

SSC’s Commercial Satellite Communications Office may award an up to $895 million to $905 million award by next February for a 10-year Maneuverable Geosynchronous Orbit (M-GEO) Satellite-Based Services contract.

The M-GEO contract “shall fulfill the USSF’s commercial space strategy with fielding resilient and agile space systems with U.S. warfighters and partner operations by leveraging commercial small and medium satellites capable of maneuvering in GEO,” SSC told Defense Daily in an email responses to questions. “This allows for faster access to quality data, pre-emptive threat detection, and protection of national security interests.”

“This contract plans to leverage maneuverable GEO orbital slots for flexible and adaptable [commercial] satellite communication (COMSATCOM) services, enhancing resilience and faster response times for military operations,” according to SSC. “By tapping into the commercial small GEO sector, the Space Force can access innovations, potentially lease constellations, and reduce costs. This approach provides global COMSATCOM, including Protected Tactical SATCOM, improving situational awareness and supporting dynamic space operations while reducing vulnerabilities through decentralized satellites. The contract reflects a shift towards integrating with the commercial space industry to meet military needs.”

In an FY 2025-2026 USSF Commercial Satellite Communications (COMSATCOM) Forecast to Industry, SSC said that the contract would provide “satellite services facilitated by on-orbit supportable spacecraft and the construction, launch, control, and operation of purpose-built M-GEO satellites” and that “the effort comprises the equipment and capabilities for all domains and use cases, to include both user-to-user and reach-back capabilities, such as terrestrial backhaul for end-to-end connectivity from provider and government-controlled gateways.”

The Space Force’s first Space Warfighting Framework, released last month, highlights the importance of satellite maneuver to complicate adversary surveillance and targeting. Space Force said that it is pursuing “dynamic space operations” to include satellite maneuver among orbits, in-space refueling, on-orbit satellite repair/upgrades, and rapid launch/deployment of cheaper satellites.

This story was first published by Defense Daily