Space Surveillance's key function is to detect and track space debris. These objects can pose threats to US military and civilian satellites. Space Fence is built to detect these objects and track them. It is also designed to help prevent collisions in near-Earth orbit. Space Fence uses Sband ground radar to track objects in space. The radar can detect objects as small as 10 centimeters in space. It can also detect breakups and maneuvers. Space Fence can provide timely orbital information about potential threats, and also the ability to avoid future collisions.
Space Surveillance Radar (SSR) is currently being replaced with an S-band radar system. The new system will track more objects and increase surveillance accuracy. It will also be able to predict space-based collisions more accurately. It also provides early warnings of potential threats to commercial and military satellites. It can provide accurate orbital data on possible threats, such launches, breakups or maneuvers. It will allow the Air Force to keep track of hundreds, thousands of objects in orbit to avoid collisions and damage to key space-based infrastructure.
The Space Surveillance Network, which was created in 1961, was the first to be developed. It was initially designed to allow the Defense Department to track and analyze thousands space objects. 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. It will also allow the Air Force to quickly respond to any potential threats to their military and commercial orbit systems. The Air Force will now be able track space junk and depleted rocket boosters.
The Space Fence system is located on Kwajalein Atoll, an island in the Marshall Islands. It is situated near the Ballistic Missile Defense testing site. It is operated and maintained by the Air Force 20th Space Control Squadron. NASA shares responsibility for space situational alert. It is also operated by the Space Operations Command. This unit is responsible to operate sensors and the Space Surveillance Network.
Space Fence is made up of two ground radars, which can track more than 100,000 objects per day. It will travel at speeds of 17,500 mph, and is designed to provide uncued surveillance at low Earth orbit. Space Fence is used by the Air Force for monitoring and tracking space objects including military satellites in low and medium Earth orbits. Space Fence can also provide communication services for military operation.
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.