U.S. Space Force Selects Northrop for Ground-Moving-Target Surveillance Program
The U.S. Space Force has revealed the formal name of its GMTI (Ground Moving Target Indicator) program and identified Northrop Grumman as the company responsible for developing and building the satellites. According to a report published on Sept. 16, 2026, the program is known as RRS-G (Resilient Radar System-Ground), with satellite launches expected to begin in 2028.
GMTI uses radar and other sensors to detect and track the movement of vehicles, troops and equipment on the ground. Once a space-based GMTI system is in place, it will complement existing ground- and airborne-surveillance assets, providing persistent visibility into ground activity across broad areas.
RRS-G to Provide Space-Based Ground Surveillance
A senior Space Force official said at an Air and Space Forces Association event in National Harbor, Maryland, that the RRS-G satellite system would be launched within the next two years. The timeline is consistent with the Space Force’s previously stated goal of having GMTI satellites operational in 2028.
RRS-G is being developed as a constellation of radar satellites capable of observing moving targets on the ground. Once the satellites become operational, the Space Force plans to coordinate concepts of operations with other combatant commands and intelligence agencies and connect the collected data to ground operations.
Northrop Grumman’s Role and the Military Significance
Northrop Grumman has been identified as the prime contractor responsible for building the RRS-G satellites. The Space Force has not disclosed the total contract value, the number of satellites or detailed sensor specifications in publicly released materials.
Space-based GMTI is significant because it offers a surveillance capability that is less affected by the time of day or weather conditions. The ability to track mobile targets, including road-mobile missile launchers and military vehicles, could strengthen U.S. intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations as well as the joint force’s understanding of the battlefield.
Its operational effectiveness, however, will depend not only on the satellites’ radar performance but also on data-processing speed, the resilience of communications networks and the degree of integration with ground systems. Alongside satellite development, the Space Force is also working to establish the operating concepts and command-and-control arrangements needed to use the capability.
Expansion of Commercial Space and Space Domain Awareness Contracts
Separately from its development of dedicated military satellites, the Space Force is expanding efforts to integrate commercial space capabilities into its operational architecture. Col. Timothy Trimailo, who leads the Commercial Space Office (COMSO), said the first operational contract with a commercial provider of space domain awareness (SDA) services would soon move forward.
Space domain awareness involves tracking the position and movement of objects in orbit and analyzing their nature and intent. In March 2025, the Space Force signed pilot agreements under the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR) with four companies in the SDA sector and is now working to transition those arrangements into operational contracts.
CASR is designed to make commercial space capabilities—including satellites, data and communications networks—available for military missions during a crisis or conflict. Through the initiative, the Space Force aims to build a hybrid space architecture that combines government and commercial satellites and rapidly deploys private-sector technology where it is needed.
Combining GMTI With Commercial Space Capabilities
RRS-G and the commercial SDA contracts support different missions, but both reflect the Space Force’s broader effort to expand space-based surveillance and intelligence capabilities. RRS-G is focused on monitoring moving targets on the ground, while SDA concentrates on satellites and other objects operating in Earth orbit.
In the years ahead, the ability to combine military sensors, commercial data and privately developed analytics software within a single operational network is likely to become increasingly important. The Space Force’s parallel pursuit of Northrop Grumman’s satellite development work and commercial contracts reflects its goal of improving both the reach of space surveillance and the speed of response.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the GMTI program?
GMTI is a ground-moving-target surveillance technology that uses radar and other sensors to detect the position and movement of vehicles, troops and equipment.
What is the U.S. Space Force’s GMTI program called?
The program name announced this time is RRS-G, short for Resilient Radar System-Ground. It is being developed as a space-based radar satellite system.
What role will Northrop Grumman play?
Northrop Grumman has been identified as the prime contractor responsible for developing and building the RRS-G satellites. The contract value and number of satellites have not been disclosed.
When will the RRS-G satellites be launched?
A Space Force official said the RRS-G satellite system is being developed for launches to begin in 2028.
What is space domain awareness (SDA)?
SDA is the practice of tracking the position, orbit and movement of satellites and other objects in Earth orbit and analyzing potential threats in the space environment.
What is CASR?
CASR is a program that establishes advance contracts and cooperation arrangements so the Space Force can use commercial satellite, communications and data capabilities in its operations during a crisis or conflict.
