Space Fence. Photo: Lockheed Martin

[Via Satellite 08-15-2014] Lockheed Martin has awarded a contract to General Dynamics C4 Systems Satcom Technologies for ground structure design and manufacture as well as integration of mechanical systems for the Air Force’s Space Fence. General Dynamics will begin construction on the Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands during the middle of 2015.

In June 2014 Lockheed Martin won the space fence contract against competitor Raytheon for $914.7 million dollars. Using a ground-based radar system, the Air Force will track more than 100,000 orbiting objects, improving Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and reducing the risk of in-orbit collisions.

Air Force’s Space Surveillance System was shut down in October 2013 due to sequestration. The Space Fence is the successor to the Space Surveillance System, slated to reach initial operational capability in 2018.