The U.S. Space Force has attained the initial operational capability of a radar system designed to help the service branch identify and track objects in orbit.
The Space Fence radar is designed to boost space situational awareness across satellites, debris, depleted boosters and other orbiting objects, USSF said Friday. The radar system is situated in the Marshall Islands, specifically Kwajalein Island.
The Alabama-based Space Fence Operations Center operates the radar. The 18th Space Control Squadron uses the radar’s data to monitor the country’s objects in space.
“Space Fence is revolutionizing the way we view space by providing timely, precise orbital data on objects that threaten both manned and unmanned military and commercial space assets,” said Gen. Jay Raymond, USSF’s chief of space operations and leader of U.S. Space Command and 2020 Wash100 Award recipient.
Lockheed Martin built Space Fence under a $914.7 million contract originally awarded by the U.S. Air Force.
