US Navy Seeks Commercial Satellites for Nighttime Earth Observation
The US Navy is asking industry for information on commercial satellites that can perform nighttime Earth observation with advanced optical sensors, according to a Naval Research Laboratory Request for Information.
In a move that underscores growing interest in commercial space data, the Navy wants existing or imminent systems ready for possible future demonstration and acquisition.
What the Navy Is Looking For
The RFI, posted on SAM.gov and open through February 22, seeks data on space-based electro-optical (EO) sensors that can image Earth at night with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 or higher. TRL 6 generally means a working prototype has been demonstrated in a relevant environment.
Respondents must describe:
• Sensor type and spectral range, including whether systems are panchromatic or multispectral.
• Imaging performance, including frames per second.
• Onboard processing and tasking interfaces for user requests.
• Data processing, exploitation, and dissemination methods.
• Data security measures and ground station locations, with a preference for continental United States facilities.
The Navy emphasized the focus on commercial providers and mature systems, not government-developed satellites.
Why Nighttime Imaging Matters
Nighttime Earth observation provides a different look than daytime imagery. It can detect artificial lights, thermal signatures, and other phenomena that are invisible in daylight. Government and civilian users already collect such data through platforms like NASA and NOAA’s Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), which tracks nocturnal light and near-infrared data for scientific and humanitarian use.
For defense and intelligence customers, nighttime imaging offers:
• Detection of ship wakes and movement at sea under darkness.
• Monitoring of ground lights to assess grid outages or damage after strikes.
• Support to planning and assessment in large-scale operations where darkness limits other sensors.
These capabilities could fill gaps between traditional reconnaissance assets and emerging commercial offerings.
Commercial Space on the Rise
The Navy’s RFI comes amid broader Department of Defense interest in tapping commercial space data to supplement military needs. The US Space Force has been expanding programs that leverage commercial imagery and analytics for tactical surveillance and other missions.
Commercial Earth observation companies like Planet Labs also already supply vessel detection and other maritime imaging services to Navy platforms under separate contracts.
What Comes Next
Because this is an RFI, the Navy is gathering information and not yet soliciting formal proposals or awarding contracts. Responses will help the service assess what commercial systems can offer and how they might be used in future demonstrations or acquisitions.
The deadline for submissions is February 22, 2026.
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