# Air Force Considers Cislunar Satellite Studies

The Department of the Air Force is considering a Cislunar Space System (CSS) and may award up to five preliminary design study contracts for a constellation of up to five satellites. Each satellite would require a spacecraft bus, integration and testing, and ground-segment support for a government-provided payload. The initial system is expected to begin operating in 2031; solicitation timing, contract values, and award dates have not been provided.

- The potential studies cover multiple parts of the satellite lifecycle, creating opportunities for firms with spacecraft-bus, integration-and-test, or ground-segment capabilities.
- Contractors can assess whether their technical offerings support satellite designs that accommodate a government-furnished payload; the source does not identify a solicitation schedule or award criteria.
- The contemplated award of up to five studies suggests the government may evaluate multiple preliminary design approaches before advancing the future system.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** November 02, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of the Air Force (DAF)
- United States Space Force (USSF)

### Sources
- [U.S. Space Force Cislunar Space System Under Consideration - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/u-s-space-force-cislunar-space-system-under-consideration/space) - Defense Daily