Space Surveillance is a vital part of detecting and tracking space debris. These objects are a potential threat to US military and commercial satellites, and Space Fence is designed to detect and track them. It also helps to prevent collisions within near-Earth orbit. Space Fence uses Sband ground based radar to track space objects in medium, high, and geosynchronous earth orbits. The radar can detect objects up to 10 cm in size in space. It can detect maneuvers and breakups. Space Fence is able to provide timely orbital information regarding potential threats and prevent future collisions.
The Space Surveillance Radar is currently in the process of being replaced with a new S-band radar system. The new system will allow more objects to be tracked and provide better surveillance. It will also be able to predict space-based collisions more accurately. It is also intended to give an early warning of potential dangers to military and commercial satellite systems. It can provide orbital information that is accurate about possible threats, including launches, breakups, or maneuvers. It will also help the Air Force keep track of hundreds of thousands of objects in orbit, preventing collisions with key space-based infrastructure.
The Space Surveillance Network (SSN) was initially developed in 1961. It was created to aid the Defense Department in tracking thousands of objects in outer space. Space Fence was the Air Force's first space tracking system. It tracked more than 20,000 objects. The new system will track more than one million objects a day, and will provide more accurate surveillance. The Air Force will also be able to respond quicker to threats to its military and commercial space systems. The Air Force will have the ability to track and destroy space junk as well as depleted rocket boosters.
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 managed by the Air Force's 20th Space Control Squadron. The Air Force shares responsibility for space situational awareness with NASA. The Space Operations Command also manages it. This unit is responsible to operate sensors and 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 will be used by the Air Force to track and monitor space objects in low, medium and geosynchronous orbits. Space Fence provides communications services to military operations.
Space Fence will allow the Air Force to keep track of commercial and military satellite systems. It will also alert them of potential threats. It will also prevent collisions in near Earth space. Space Fence can also provide information about objects in orbit. This allows the Air Force to see what objects and what are happening in space.