DARPA selects trio for ultra-low lunar-orbit water-ice probe

DARPA has chosen Benchmark Space Systems, Quantum Space, and Revolution Space to conduct Phase 1 studies for LASSO, a six-month Phase 1A plus 18-month Phase 1B program to design a very-low lunar-orbit mission that would search for water ice at concentrations above 5% and demonstrate sustained maneuverability for future cislunar operations; Benchmark proposes the Sapphire propulsion/navigation architecture, Quantum Space is building on its Ranger concept with hybrid thrusters, and Revolution Space has not disclosed specifics.