NASA is seeking proposals for a new system to help detect and identify drones that may fly at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

The space agency is new place a call for proposals for Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) detection and analysis services, which NASA hopes to put into action by April 2026. The purpose of the system is “to make rapid and critical decisions to protect NASA personnel, the public, launch vehicles, flight hardware, critical high-value assets, and security interests,” according to the contract list. It has both fixed and mobile sensors.

The move came shortly after it was announced by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC). ban on new foreign-made drones and drone components, citing national security concerns.

Eyes in the sky

Kennedy Space Center is NASA’s primary launch site, including the Space Launch System rocket that will carry the Artemis missions to the Moon, and has facilities for research and commercial space enterprises.

“All UAS flights on KSC property, whether inside or outside the security perimeter, are prohibited and will only occur with the approval of KSC Flight Operations,” NASA wrote in its proposal. It is unclear whether the agency is facing recent threats from drones, or whether this is a precautionary measure to protect its launch assets. It’s also unclear what kind of drone detection systems are in use at the nearby Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, home to classified military activities.

The drone detection system can detect and identify unidentified UAS at a distance of at least 46 miles (64 kilometers), providing threat analyses, real-time detection and alerting capabilities, according to the call for proposal.

The recent ban on foreign-made drones stems from a defense bill passed last year, which called for a review of the national security risks posed by flying vehicles. In late 2024, there will be a surge in reports of drones seen flying over New Jersey, but most experts say that people are just confused by traditional aircraft.

We can report at least one related site: The KSC Visitor Center is IS reported runs a holiday drone show with 600 autonomous aircraft.