Detecting and tracking space debris is an important part of Space Surveillance. These objects can pose a threat for US military and commercial satellites. Space Fence is designed in order to detect and track these objects. It also helps to prevent collisions within near-Earth orbit. Space Fence uses Sband ground radar to track objects in space. The radar can detect objects up to 10 cm in size in space. It can also detect breakups and maneuvers. Space Fence can provide timely orbital information about potential threats, and also the ability to avoid future collisions.
Space Surveillance Radar currently being replaced by a new S band radar system. The new system will allow for greater tracking of objects and improve surveillance accuracy. Additionally, the new system will be better able to predict space-based collisions. It also provides early warnings of potential threats to commercial and military satellites. It can provide orbital information that is accurate about possible threats, including launches, breakups, or maneuvers. It will be able to track hundreds of thousand of objects in orbit and prevent collisions with space-based infrastructure.
In 1961, the Space Surveillance Network was first developed. It was created to aid the Defense Department in tracking thousands of objects in outer space. The Space Fence system was used by the Air Force to track over 20,000 objects in space before it was created. The new system will track over one million objects daily and will allow for more precise surveillance. The Air Force will be able to respond faster to potential threats to commercial and military space systems. The Air Force can track space junk and rocket boosters that are depleted.
Space Fence is located on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. It is located in the vicinity of the Ballistic Missile Defense test site. It is operated from the Air Force's 20th Space Control Squadron. The Air Force shares responsibility for space situational awareness with NASA. The Space Operations Command manages this unit. This is the unit responsible for operating sensors and operating the Space Surveillance Network.
Space Fence comprises two ground radars that can track more 100,000 objects each day. It can travel at 17,500 mph and provides uncued surveillance from low Earth orbit. Space Fence is used by the Air Force for monitoring and tracking space objects including military satellites in low and medium Earth orbits. Space Fence also offers communication services for military operations.
Space Fence will help the Air Force keep track of military and commercial space systems, and will provide an early warning of potential threats. It will also help to prevent collisions within near-Earthspace. Space Fence is also designed to provide information on objects in orbit, enabling the Air Force to know what objects are in space and what events are occurring in space.