However, it is not easy to observe objects in interstellar space from Earth. First, the Moon is a quarter of a million miles away, so a spacecraft or debris would be vanishingly faint to near-Earth sensors. The Moon and the Sun are far superior to these bodies. Second, using a near-Moon satellite to obtain a fix and vector for an object requires precise navigation, a capability not readily available without reliable GPS signals.
If anyone knows exactly where a satellite is orbiting the Moon today, it is because of the generosity of its operator. If they wish, spacecraft owners can provide detailed ephemeris data, revealing their locations and movements, but there is no way to force any operator to publish this information. Some operators may not want to share their locations for competitive or strategic advantage.
There is also the risk of a satellite breaking up in lunar orbit, which could create a space debris field. There is currently no way to track such small fragments across lunar distances, increasing the risk of damaging or destructive collisions. If a lunar satellite disintegrates, it “could disrupt international scientific missions and disrupt economic activity on the Moon.” Miter Corporation Annual Report 2025is a non-profit organization that operates several federally funded research centers.
Some generals bring the theme of lunar military operations back to Earth. In 2024, Ars applied to the Space Force Major General Anthony Mastalirthen a one-star general, about the military’s view of the moon. He identified a potential adversary’s use of the Moon or orbits around them as a launching point for an attack on US assets closer to Earth.
“We’re not fighting over mineral deposits on an asteroid somewhere. We’re not currently driving convoys to Mars,” Mastalir said. “These are conflicts on Earth that we hope we can prevent. We also don’t want them to spill over into space or even start in space.
“Someday in the future, that may change, but for now I’m more interested in what these new orbits have to offer, what they’re going to do for potential attack vectors on our traditional operations (areas).”
