The Air Force set a September 2013 construction start date for its Space Fence tracking radar, according to a Space Command (AFSPC) statement.
AFSPC also anticipates construction lasting 48 months.
Space Fence is a next-generation radar system that will track orbiting objects passing over America that could damage satellites. It will replace the Air Force Space Surveillance System, or VHF Fence, that’s been in service since 1961. Space Fence will have improved sensitivity, allowing it to detect, track and measure an object the size of a softball orbiting more than 1,200 miles into space.
AFSPC chief Gen. William Shelton said last week Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands would host Space Fence (Defense Daily, Sept. 19). The Air Force also plans Space Fence initial operational capability (IOC) by fiscal year 2017.
Shelton also said the service will likely award the Space Fence contract in the spring of 2013. Lockheed Martin [LMT] and Raytheon [RTN] are competing for the Space Fence contract. Both companies have completed their preliminary design reviews (PDR) (Defense Daily, July 30). Lockheed Martin’s partners for the Space Fence program are General Dynamics [GD], AMEC of Plymouth Meeting, Pa., and AT&T [ATT] (Defense Daily, March 20). A Raytheon spokeswoman said Tuesday the company is partnering with “a number” of companies on Space Fence, but declined to name them.
The Air Force values Space Fence at more than $3.5 billion.