At the 41st Space Symposium (13- April 16 2026 year) US defense contractors BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin outline efforts to finance and launch demonstration spacecraft, intended for maneuvering in orbit, tracking other satellites and working as part of more networked architectures.
BAE Systems has unveiled a new spacecraft platform called Ascent with a payload of approx 2200 kilograms. The satellite is designed to be refuelable and can act as a space tug – moving payloads between orbits or deploying secondary payloads for military customers. Vice President and CEO of BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems' Brad Shogrin noted, that the company is planning the first test run in 2027 per year for a classified customer.
During the symposium, Lockheed Martin announced plans to deploy small and medium-sized satellites within the line, which the company calls Next-Generation Space Dominance (NGSD, dominance in space of a new generation). Designs include the small NGSD Vanguard satellite and the larger on-orbit refueling spacecraft NGSD Sentinel. Both are for missions, requiring autonomous maneuvering and coordination between multiple assets. The satellites are designed to demonstrate approach and close escort operations (RPO, the ability to approach, inspect or monitor another spacecraft in orbit), as well as “battle management, command, control and communication" - possibilities, for which spacecraft receive tasks, interpret them and coordinate with other systems in near real time. The company plans to hold demonstrations in orbit already in 2028 or 2029 year. One or both satellites will operate in geostationary orbit, where maneuvering functions will be performed, command and control. A larger version of Sentinel is also being considered as a potential bid for the US Space Force's planned procurement of geostationary surveillance satellites under the RG-XX program.
For reference: RG-XX is the program of the US Space Force to develop a new generation of reconnaissance satellites in geostationary orbit for monitoring the space environment. This is a test version of the "commercial first" strategy, where private companies are involved in the development of devices with the possibility of refueling in orbit.
Much of today's military satellite fleet is designed for long-duration missions with limited propulsion systems and predictable flight paths. Such a model is increasingly considered insufficient in the conditions of a more threatening space environment. American officials point to new opportunities for China and Russia, in particular satellites, capable of approach and close escort operations, as the driving force of new requirements.
Source: https://spacenews.com