Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) rendering. Photo: Northrop Grumman

The U.S. Space Force has awarded Northrop Grumman a $341 million contract for a ground-based radar system to track deep space objects for space domain awareness. The award from Space Systems Command (SSC) announced Wednesday is for the new Deep-Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) program. 

Northrop Grumman said DARC will serve as an additional sensor in the military’s space surveillance network with increased capability to monitor deep space objects. It will eventually provide full global coverage. 

The initial contract includes the design, development and delivery of one site system located in the Indo-Pacific region, expected to be completed in 2025. Two follow-on sites are planned for as well. 

Pablo Pezzimenti, vice president of Integrated National Systems for Northrop Grumman said the DARC program radar will “significantly enhance space domain awareness for Geostationary Orbit.” 

“While current ground-based systems operate at night and can be impacted by weather conditions, DARC will provide an all-weather, 24/7 capability to monitor the highly dynamic and rapidly evolving Geosynchronous orbital environment critical to national and global security,” Pezzimenti said.