𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲’𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱
The U.S. Space Force anticipates its newest space observation satellites, known as Silent Barker, will be ready for initial operations in early 2025, according to Gen. Stephen Whiting, head of U.S. Space Command. Launched in September 2023, the spacecraft has undergone extensive on-orbit testing over the past year. While the exact number of satellites launched remains undisclosed, the mission included at least two. Gen. Whiting emphasized that a yearlong testing phase is typical for such advanced missions, but future satellites in the Silent Barker constellation should integrate more efficiently. Full operational capability is projected by 2026, with data from the satellites gradually feeding into operational databases once testing concludes.
Silent Barker, a joint initiative between the Space Force and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), is designed to enhance tracking of objects and potential threats in geosynchronous orbit, approximately 22,000 miles above Earth. This mission replaces the aging Space-Based Space Surveillance System, which will reach the end of its operational life in 2028. The program began development in 2017, with an acquisition plan established in 2020. As space becomes a contested domain with increasing activity from China and Russia, Silent Barker will provide critical surveillance capabilities, supplementing ground-based systems that are limited in detail and visibility.
The Silent Barker program is part of a broader effort to strengthen space domain awareness. Other upcoming capabilities include the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC), under development by Northrop Grumman, which will monitor geosynchronous orbit from installations in the U.S., Australia, and the UK. Additionally, the Advanced Tracking and Launch Analysis System, slated for completion in 2025, will integrate space surveillance data to detect and mitigate space-based threats. These advancements mark significant progress in ensuring the security of U.S. and allied assets in space.
#SilentBarker #SpaceForce #SpaceDomainAwareness #SpaceSurveillance #DARC #AdvancedTracking #NationalSecurity
Source: Defense News / Space Force
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7moSuper interesting