Air Force officials are exploring whether they can leverage alternative energy sources to power the Space Fence, the future network of geographically dispersed terrestrial radars that will track space objects and debris. They haven’t yet determined the radars’ ultimate design, but already know that these massive S-Band systems will demand much energy to operate. “That’s why it’s so important to look at various options for producing that required energy,” said Linda Haines, Space Fence program manager. Notional planning calls for at least two, perhaps three, Space Fence sites, with potential locations in Australia, Kwajalein Atoll, and Ascension Island. On Ascension Island, for example, persistent trade winds might make wind power a particularly attractive option, and save much money over the radar’s lifetime. In October, the Air Force released the request for proposal for the Space Fence’s next phase of development. (Hanscom report by Chuck Paone)
The Space Force’s Space Flag exercise has been accredited by the Joint National Training Capability initiative, joining a small group of exercises across the Department of Defense that have received such a designation, the service announced June 28. The accreditation, affirmed by the Joint Staff, will give the Space Flag…