Oracle
An Air Force Research Laboratory satellite, with Advanced Space as prime contractor, meant to test spotting and tracking objects in the space between Earth and the Moon. The current version is due for delivery in 2027.
Why it matters
Ground telescopes struggle to see far past geostationary orbit, so traffic around the Moon is largely unwatched. As more missions head there, militaries and civil agencies want a way to know what is out there and where it is going.
How the technology works
Oracle would operate near the Earth-Moon L1 point and use onboard imaging to detect satellites, rocket bodies, debris and natural objects. Advanced Space designs the mission, navigation, tracking and communications; Terran Orbital supplies the spacecraft and Quantum Space the payload for the Oracle-Prime version.
Two years of experiments are planned in orbit.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction