Objects and debris in geosynchronous orbit Credit: NASA

WASHINGTON — In a departure from how military space programs are traditionally acquired, the Pentagon is seeking proposals under which companies would build and initially operate satellites to monitor geosynchronous orbit — and then transfer those systems to government control within 36 months.

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Sandra Erwin writes about military space programs, policy, technology and the industry that supports this sector. She has covered the military, the Pentagon, Congress and the defense industry for nearly two decades as editor of NDIA’s National Defense...