Ground Based SDA
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. Funding transferred from program element 1206425SF in budget activity 04 in FY 2024. 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.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 656565_1206425SF_5_3620F_PB_2025
Related Documents
- Root: Space Situation Awareness Systems
- Child Accomplishment: DARC Site 1 Operational Capability
- Child Accomplishment: DARC Sites 2 and 3 Operational Capability
- Child Cost Item: 1a0342c5480c5132cf2ca1802524a1fa
- Child Cost Item: d2db9f861edf282bcc0cd091056a40b2
- Child Cost Item: f096bbb85b977fff5d31c4fb5a0cc730
- Child Cost Item: 67f245506026936d97685fb4de7e0791
- Child Cost Item: c5e3ef28895b312fc4820c18d6136fe7
- Child Cost Item: da9af292112308337be7c372e087212c
- Child Cost Item: d273b2fe4b14d4939497a214568c5c44
- Child Cost Item: a5bd56b97ba4ba7d201b63c33e8354db