Under the nascent space fence acquisition program, the Air Force aims to field three new strategically positioned S-band radars around the globe that will significantly enhance the nation’s ability to detect and track objects in space. “The space fence is going to be the most precise radar in the space situational surveillance network,” said Linda Haines, USAF’s space fence program manager at Hanscom AFB, Mass. She added, “The S-band capability will provide the highest accuracy in detecting even the smallest space objects.” The space fence is intended to replace the Air Force space surveillance system, a VHF-band set of radars that has served in this role for decades. In June, the Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon each a $30 million contract for development of their respective space fence concepts over the next year. After the current phase, there will be a competition to determine the winning radar supplier. (Hanscom report by Monica D. Morales)
On Oct. 22, the Air Force Association's Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies will host a Nuclear Deterrence Forum featuring Henry Sokolski, executive director of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center. The think tank will post event video on its website and YouTube page after the live event. Register here.