# DARPA Selects Three Companies for Lunar Orbiter Studies
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency selected three companies to conduct concept studies for LASSO, a lunar orbiter intended to demonstrate advanced technologies in cislunar space. Benchmark Space Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman will each develop designs for the spacecraft under the competitive study phase.
LASSO represents DARPA's effort to mature technologies for sustained operations around the moon. The orbiter will test capabilities relevant to national security interests in the lunar domain, where military applications and space domain awareness grow increasingly important.
Each contractor receives funding to explore different technical approaches. The studies will examine propulsion systems, power generation, communications architectures, and autonomous operations necessary for long-duration cislunar missions. DARPA plans to select one or more contractors for the actual spacecraft development phase following completion of the concept studies.
The lunar orbiter program responds to accelerating activity in cislunar space. Both commercial and international lunar initiatives have expanded, creating demand for infrastructure and monitoring capabilities. LASSO aims to establish a platform that can support these broader national objectives while demonstrating technologies applicable to future military and civil space operations.
The contract awards advance the Defense Department's strategy for maintaining technological advantage in space operations beyond Earth orbit.