# Space Force Advances Space-Based Targeting Systems

The U.S. Space Force is progressing key space-based radar and tracking programs to enhance airborne and ground target detection capabilities. Northrop Grumman has been designated prime contractor for the Resilient Radar System-Ground (RRS-G) Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) satellite constellation, with launches planned by 2028. Concurrently, SpaceX received a multibillion-dollar contract in May 2026 to develop and deploy the Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) constellation, targeting initial operational capability by 2028. Additionally, the Space Force is preparing to award contracts imminently for commercial space domain awareness services under the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR) initiative, expanding contractor opportunities in space-based sensing and tracking.

- **Why this matters:** These programs represent significant investment in space-based surveillance capabilities, signaling growing demand for advanced radar and sensing technologies in defense space procurement.
- Northrop Grumman and SpaceX are key prime contractors, indicating competitive opportunities for subcontractors and technology providers in space-based radar and tracking.
- Procurement professionals should anticipate upcoming CASR contract awards offering commercial partnership opportunities in space domain awareness.
- Organizations should align business strategies to support space-based sensing, data integration, and battle management systems as the Space Force modernizes its targeting infrastructure.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure, Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** September 18, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Space Force (USSF)
- National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
- U.S. Air Force (USAF)
- Department of Defense (DoD)
- Department of the Air Force (DAF)

### Vendors
- Northrop Grumman (prime contractor)
- SpaceX (awardee for AMTI constellation)

### Key Quotes
> The Space Force plans to have an initial AMTI constellation working by 2028, following a multibillion-dollar award in May to SpaceX.
> — Troy Meink, Secretary of the Air Force

> It’s all about the data. It’s getting the data to the right person to make the right decisions from a battle management perspective, whether that’s airborne moving target or ground moving target.
> — Gen. Douglass Schiess, Chief of Space Operations

### Sources
- [Space Force's GMTI program gets a name, with Northrop as prime: General - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/09/space-forces-gmti-program-gets-a-name-with-northrop-as-prime-general) - Breaking Defense
- [Space Force advancing on-orbit tracking for airborne and ground-based targets | DefenseScoop](https://defensescoop.com/2026/09/17/space-force-advancing-on-orbit-tracking-for-airborne-and-ground-based-targets) - DefenseScoop
- [U.S. Space Force Pins Hopes on Space-Based Radar Systems, Northrop Grumman Building GMTI System - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/u-s-space-force-pins-hopes-on-space-based-radar-systems-northrop-grumman-building-gmti-system/space) - Defense Daily