The facility, known as Noctis-2, will include an optical array and potentially an infrared telescope. It will provide a "persistent stare capability" of the orbit used by geostationary satellites, broader monitoring of the skies and the ability to examine chosen objects, according to a preliminary market engagement notice published on 16 March.
Russian "inspector" satellites are once again in the spotlight after evidence emerged that two spacecraft have been maneuvering unusually close to critical communications satellites in orbit, raising concerns across the wider tech and satellite industries about surveillance, signal interception, and the growing militarization of orbital infrastructure. According to defense and intelligence sources, the satellites, known as Luch-1 and Luch-2, have been conducting sustained proximity operations near European government and commercial satellites and are believed to be part of Russia's "inspector" satellite program.
OPINION - Space has gone from frontier to front line. But despite this increased urgency and to remain first in flight, the Trump administration recently the Office of Space Commerce's budget. Additionally, NASA remains without a permanent leader and is struggling to select a new lunar lander for its Artemis missions. It's a dangerous place to be as America's adversaries are investing heavily in everything from spy satellites to landing on the Moon. Now is the time for the United States to prioritize investment in innovation and security.
You don't need to be a rocket scientist to understand why NASA implemented this policy: In July, dual Chinese/American citizen Chenguang Gong admitted to a lengthy industrial espionage campaign that saw him download information on sensors used by aircraft to confuse infrared-seeking missiles, plus data on radiation-hardened cameras that the US placed in orbit to give an early warning of incoming rockets and hypersonic vehicles. China has also recruited spies at the US Navy.
