Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept
Abstract
Space Domain Awareness (SDA) is one of five core competencies of the Space Force and is the effective identification, characterization, and understanding of any factor, passive or active, associated with the space domain that could affect space operations and thereby impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of our nation. As the foundation for space control, SDA encompasses surveillance of all space objects and activities; detailed surveillance of specific space assets; monitoring space environmental conditions; monitoring cooperative space assets; gathering indications and warning on adversary space operations; and conducting integrated command, control, communications, processing, analysis, dissemination, and archiving activities. This program element develops new network sensors and improved information integration capabilities across the space surveillance network (SSN) while companion program element 1203940SF fields, upgrades, operationalizes, operates, and maintains Space Force sensors and information integration capabilities within the SSN. Activities funded in this program element (1206425SF) also support efforts such as engineering studies and analyses, architectural engineering studies, trade studies, technology needs forecasting, modernization initiatives, systems engineering, system development, and test & evaluation, and may include prototyping and technology demonstration. Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) is a ground-based, SDA radar system to detect, track, and maintain custody of deep space objects 24/7, through the solar exclusion gap. DARC will augment the SSN as an additional sensor with increased capacity and capability for deep space object custody, providing full global coverage. In FY 2024, Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept efforts were transferred to Budget Authority 5 PE 1206425SF, Space Situation Awareness Systems, Project 656565, Ground Based SDA, in order to align it with other developmental SDA programs. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver DARC weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 1206392SF and 1206398SF. The total cost of the DARC Rapid Prototype Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) effort is 859.1 million. DARC Site 1 is not fully funded across the Future Years Defense Program. The Department of the Air Force is assessing all options to address the funding shortfalls for MTA programs including additional funding in a future budget request, performance trades based on technical maturity, or transition to alternative pathways. This effort is in Budget Activity 4, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes (ACD&P), because efforts are necessary to evaluate integrated technologies, representative modes or prototype systems in a high fidelity and realistic operating environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 640290_1206425SF_4_3620F_PB_2025
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