DARPA Awards Lunar Orbiter Study Contracts to Three Companies
DARPA has awarded contracts to Benchmark Space Systems, Quantum Space, and Revolution Space for lunar orbiter studies. The LASSO program aims to explore water ice in low lunar orbits, advancing U.S. capabilities in cislunar space.
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The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has selected Benchmark Space Systems, Quantum Space, and Revolution Space for the Lunar Assay via Small Satellite Orbiter (LASSO) program. This initiative focuses on searching for water ice on the moon at concentrations exceeding 5% and will test maneuverability in very low lunar orbits.
The program consists of three phases, beginning with a six-month concept design study and followed by an 18-month phase for design advancement, leading to spacecraft construction. Benchmark Space's proposed mission architecture, Sapphire, integrates chemical and electric propulsion, while Quantum Space is developing a highly maneuverable spacecraft called Ranger. The outcomes of this mission could significantly enhance U.S. capabilities in utilizing lunar resources.
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