Lockheed Martin space fence radar begins tracking space junk

A prototype of a new radar system developed by Lockheed Martin, dubbed the Space Fence, has started tracking the space objects and debris orbiting the earth, following several demonstrations.

Using powerful ground-based radars, the Space Fence is expected to improve the means of detecting, tracking, measuring and recording the orbiting objects and debris with enhanced accuracy, superior timeliness and better surveillance coverage.

Steve Bruce, vice president of Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors business Space Fence programme, said: "Our final system design incorporates a scalable, solid-state S-band radar, with a higher wavelength frequency capable of detecting much smaller objects than the Air Force’s current system.

"Space Fence will detect, track and catalogue over 200,000 orbiting objects and help transform space situational awareness from being reactive to predictive.".

The implementation of Space Fence will facilitate the decommissioning of the ageing US based Air Force Space Surveillance System (AFSSS), which was installed in 1961.

"The Air Force will have more time to anticipate events potentially impacting space assets and missions," added Bruce. "Our net-centric design approach allows Space Fence to be easily integrated into the broader US Space Surveillance Network of sensors already operated by the Air Force," added Bruce.

Currently, space debris and risk of potential collisions threaten national space assets including the Global Positioning System, banking and telecommunications.

The Space Fence prototype was developed under an 18-month, $107m contract awarded by the US Air Force in January 2011, while its production contract is expected later this year.

Lockheed Martin said that the first of several Space Fence sites is expected to reach initial operational capability in 2017.

 

Image: Space Fence will enhance the means of detecting, tracking, measuring and recording the objects orbiting the earth, as well as space debris. Photo: courtesy of Lockheed Martin.