The Space Fence system will replace the Air Force’s Space Surveillance System radar that has been operational since 1961. The system is actually a large S-band radar that will be based at the Kwajalein Atoll with the capability of detecting more and much smaller objects in low-Earth orbit. Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems Business Vice President of Global Integrated Sensors David Gulla said the Space Fence technology aims to provide greater accuracy and timeliness to meet space situational awareness requirements.

“Raytheon’s Space Fence solution will track more than 150,000 pieces of unaccounted space debris that threaten manned space flight and the satellites we all rely on for many critical services, including accurate weather forecasts, navigation and financial transactions,” Gulla said in a statement.

The issue of space debris has received a greater amount of attention during the past few years as it impacts more and more satellite launches and space missions. A piece of debris as small as 1 centimeter can seriously damage or even destroy an operational satellite. 

“Raytheon’s decades of expertise building large-scale radars in remote locations, our investment in key technologies and the proven success of our working Space Fence prototype enable us to offer the U.S. Air Force a low-risk solution at an affordable price,” Gulla added. “We will deliver an innovative, affordable and reliable radar solution, leveraging a 70-year radar heritage to provide global customers a decisive intelligence edge in all domains.”  

Critical infrastructures such as power grids, banking operations and transportation systems are all dependent on the GPS satellite constellation, which is constantly at risk of being struck by space debris.

“Raytheon has partnered closely with the Air Force during the technology development phase to understand the requirements and has come up with a number of innovative solutions that will make Space Fence affordable,” Raytheon Space Fence Program Director Scott Spence. “Raytheon is looking forward to supporting the Air Force as this vital program moves forward.”