US Navy eyes low-cost satellite solutions

The US military commanders are considering smaller, low-cost satellites able to perform a variety of missions as a top priority for their military operations. The commanders reported that missions ranging from the detection of missile launches to on-the-ground communications and maritime tracking were among the satellite capabilities required by the combatant commanders. The US Navy, in particular, is interested in satellites with capabilities such as mine detection and submarine cueing. The Office of Force Transformation has asked contractors to submit satellite designs to accommodate the wide variety of tactical missions that would be aided with the help of space assets. The Pentagon plans to purchase individual satellites to meet the peculiar needs of each military branch.