In a move that screams 'we're totally not preparing for a lunar military base,' the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has handed out contracts to three companies to study the feasibility of a very low lunar orbit mission. The goal? Find water ice on the Moon in concentrations greater than 5%. Because apparently, the Moon is now a treasure hunt for H2O.

The program, dubbed Lunar Assay via Small Satellite Orbiter (LASSO) - because acronyms are fun - aims to demonstrate 'sustained and advanced maneuverability' in a very low orbit around the Moon. The scientific data, DARPA says, will support both NASA and commercial efforts to exploit lunar resources. Yes, 'exploit' is the word they used.

After a six-month Phase 1A concept design study and an 18-month Phase 1B to push designs through critical design review, a Phase 2 will follow to actually build the spacecraft. Because you can't just snap your fingers and build a Moon orbiter.

While DARPA kept mum about the awards until a spokesperson confirmed on April 30, the companies themselves couldn't help but spill the beans. Benchmark Space Systems, Quantum Space, and Revolution Space are the lucky three.

Benchmark Space Systems announced on April 20 that it had been selected for a Phase 1A/1B study. Their mission architecture, called 'Sapphire' - because naming things after gems is cool - includes chemical and electric propulsion, plus a terrain navigation and hazard avoidance system. The company, known for making thrusters, is now trying to climb the value chain to full spacecraft development. Ryan McDevitt, CTO of Benchmark, said, '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.' He added, 'We will rigorously evaluate how hybrid propulsion, autonomy and spacecraft design can converge to meet DARPA’s expectations.' Translation: We'll do our homework.

Quantum Space, which announced its award on April 22, is keeping its design under wraps. But they've been developing 'Ranger,' a highly maneuverable spacecraft, and they acquired the propulsion assets of Phase Four last year - you know, just to have some extra thrust. Kerry Wisnosky, president and CEO of Quantum Space, said, 'This award reflects the growing importance of the cislunar domain to U.S. national security.' Because everything is about national security these days.

And then there's Revolution Space, the third awardee, which hasn't said a peep about its LASSO involvement. We can only assume they're working on something revolutionary, as their name suggests.

So, three companies, one mission, and a whole lot of moon water hunting. Stay tuned for the inevitable 'we found ice' announcement, which will be followed by 'we're going to mine it.'