Space Fence
Abstract
The Space Fence effort develops a system of ground-based sensors to improve upon the former Air Force Space Surveillance System (AFSSS), a Very High Frequency radar operational from 1961 to 2013. The Space Fence provides a more accurate and timely detection capability of smaller orbiting objects, primarily in low-earth orbit (LEO). The system uses higher frequency S-band radars at globally dispersed sites. As a result, it greatly expands the uncued detection and tracking capacity of the Space Surveillance Network, from around 20,000 to 100,000+ objects, while working in concert with other network sensors. Space Fence Radar Site-1 satisfies Initial Operational Capability (IOC) requirement and Radar Site-2 will satisfy Full Operational Capability (FOC) requirements and close the Space Domain Awareness (SDA) LEO gap for discovery and custody/tracking, and synchronize the Site-2 array size to match Site-1 to satisfy resiliency and SDA Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) sensitivity requirements. Requirements are identified in the June 2012 approved Space Fence Capabilities Development Document (CDD). Space acquisition must respond with speed and agility to emerging adversary threats. Space & Missile Systems Center (SMC) is transforming the organization and implementation of space acquisition to an enterprise approach, maximizing innovation and resiliency, leveraging international, commercial, and mission partnerships, and managing program/project priorities according to an integrated unclassified/classified enterprise space architecture. Expanding the appropriate acquisition authorities and contract mechanisms to deliver capability sooner, SMC will strategically execute experimentation, prototyping, risk reduction, and other efforts to develop new or repurpose capabilities. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver the Space Fence weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 1206392F and 1206398F. This program is in Budget Activity 5, System Development and Demonstration (SDD) because it has passed Milestone B approval and is conducting engineering and manufacturing development tasks aimed at meeting validated requirements prior to full rate production.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2021
- Source ID
- 65A009_1206426F_5_3600_PB_2021
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