Benchmark Selected by DARPA to Conduct LASSO Feasibility Study

Benchmark Space Systems Selected by DARPA to Conduct LASSO Feasibility Study for Lunar Water Resource Mapping

Benchmark’s Sapphire mission architecture to evaluate autonomous navigation, hybrid propulsion, and ISRU-enabling mapping from very-low lunar orbits

Artist’s Concept: Illustration of operations in low lunar orbit being studied by
Benchmark Space Systems under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Lunar Assay via Small Satellite Orbiter (LASSO) program

Burlington, Vermont – April 20, 2026 – Benchmark Space Systems has been selected to conduct a Phase 1A/1B feasibility and design study under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA’s) Lunar Assay via Small Satellite Orbiter (LASSO) program. The study will evaluate the technologies and spacecraft architectures required to operate safely and persistently in low lunar orbit (LLO), one of the most demanding operational environments in space. 

Benchmark and selected partners will evaluate mission viability, autonomous navigation performance, and architectural readiness for LLO operations. The lunar environment is notoriously shaped by steep terrain gradients and gravitational anomalies that demand advanced propulsion, onboard navigation, and autonomous maneuvering.

Benchmark’s Expansion Beyond Propulsion: Sapphire as a Mission-Class Architecture
The LASSO award builds on Benchmark’s increasing role in vehicle-level programs for the U.S. government, including development campaigns with the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA focused on next-generation orbital transfer vehicles. The award reinforces Benchmark’s evolution beyond propulsion into integrated spacecraft capability development.

At the center of the feasibility study is Benchmark’s Sapphire architecture, which incorporates a hybrid propulsion approach combining high-thrust chemical propulsion with high-efficiency electric propulsion. DARPA has highlighted hybrid approaches as essential for credible LLO mission concepts. Additionally, Sapphire’s terrain navigation and hazard avoidance, and delta-V optimization are key components being assessed to determine mission viability.

Why LASSO Matters
LASSO is structured to advance the foundational technologies needed for future lunar science, logistics, and reconnaissance missions across civil, commercial, and defense applications. Very low lunar orbit enables high-resolution sensing and localized resource assessment but demands spacecraft systems capable of operating at the edge of today’s technical limits.

By focusing on feasibility and design rigor in Phase 1, LASSO aims to reduce risk and improve confidence in future mission concepts that support sustained lunar activity and broader cislunar domain awareness.

“This award marks an important step in advancing a credible path toward sustained operations in very low lunar orbit, one of the hardest challenges in spaceflight. We will rigorously evaluate how hybrid propulsion, autonomy, and spacecraft design can converge to meet DARPA’s expectations. Demonstrating viability at this stage is a critical milestone toward enabling future cislunar
activity.”
-Ryan McDevitt, CTO of Benchmark Space Systems

For media inquiries, contact:
Laura Smith
PR@benchmark-space.com

About Benchmark Space Systems

Benchmark Space Systems delivers propulsion and mobility solutions that enable spacecraft to maneuver, operate, and succeed in an increasingly dynamic space environment. As a propulsion and space logistics partner, Benchmark supports missions from early architecture and mission planning through launch, on-orbit operations, and end-of-life decommission.

The company develops a portfolio of non-toxic propulsion technologies, integrated propulsion systems, and dedicated mobility platforms that provide the maneuverability required for modern space missions across LEO, cislunar space, and beyond. Backed by vertically integrated manufacturing and a team of experienced propulsion engineers, Benchmark delivers mission-assured capabilities with the speed, quality, and reliability required by commercial, civil, and national security missions.

Benchmark operates as an embedded partner to mission teams, sharing responsibility for mission success, surfacing technical risk early, and bringing institutional experience to complex spacecraft integrations.

Committed to a secure, sustainable, and accessible space ecosystem, Benchmark enables resilient in-space mobility for the next generation of dynamic space infrastructure.