Pentagon wants satellites to use the atmosphere to change orbits

The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency announced the Anzio initiative to explore using Earth's upper atmosphere for large, precise satellite orbit changes with substantially less propellant. DARPA is seeking thermal protection, lightweight aeroshells, atmospheric sensing and control algorithms that could enable aero-assisted maneuvers without developing a new spacecraft bus or conventional propulsion system. An industry event is scheduled for December 16–17, 2026, in Arlington, Virginia, with a draft solicitation expected no earlier than December 9. This is an early research programme announcement, not a demonstrated operational spacecraft or an award specifying satellite quantities and funding.