Space Fence

For other uses, see Air Force Space Surveillance System.
Diagram of the Space Fence

The Space Fence is a second-generation space surveillance system operated by the United States Space Force in order to track artificial satellites and space debris in Earth orbit.[1] It was constructed and designed by Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon starting in 2009, with it being declared operational in March 2020.[1][2] The budget is US$1.594 billion (FY15).[3] The main facility is located at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.[1][4]

  1. ^ a b c Gruss, Mike (2014-11-21). "Haney: U.S. Partners To Have Indirect Access to Space Fence Data". Space News. Archived from the original on December 1, 2014. Retrieved 2014-12-01.
  2. ^ Erwin, Sandra (March 28, 2020). "Space Fence surveillance Radar Site Declared Operational". Retrieved March 29, 2020.
  3. ^ "GAO-15-342SP DEFENSE ACQUISITIONS Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs" (PDF). US Government Accountability Office. March 2015. p. 125. Retrieved 16 July 2015.
  4. ^ Indian anti-satellite test proves early test for Space Fence, by Debra Werner — April 11, 2019, SpaceNews.com, ...Still in testing mode, the U.S. Air Force Space Fence on Kwajalein Atoll detected India’s March 27 anti-satellite test and issued a break-up alert...The Air Force is scheduled to begin initial operation...in the fourth quarter of this year...