The Andromeda IDIQ contract vehicle will fund a replacement for the current GSSAP on-orbit inspection satellites as well as the classified SILENTBARKER space surveillance birds.

The service has tapped 14 firms to compete for rolling task orders through April 2036 under the Andromeda program, formerly known as RG-XX.

“We’re still in the initial phases of that investigation, so we’ll continue to to work with the United Launch Alliance and their suppliers to make sure we’ve got the right level of insight and understand where that investigation is headed,” Col. Eric Zarybnisky said.

Under the new GHOST-R effort, the Defense Innovation Unit hopes to have a high-resolution bird operating on orbit within 24 months.