Raytheon completes Space Fence PDR

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TEWKSBURY, Mass., July 31 (UPI) -- Raytheon reports the preliminary design review contract with the U.S. Air Force to detect low-orbit space debris has been completed.

"Space debris threatens systems we depend on every day, including satellites that power navigation, weather and critical infrastructures," said David Gulla, vice president of Global Integrated Sensors in Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems business.

"By building a working Space Fence prototype and employing innovative approaches Raytheon brought to the table, we demonstrated to the U.S. Air Force a cost-effective system that can track a multitude of small objects in space."

The Space Fence program is a multiphased acquisition, which will result in as many as two S-band radars operating in the U.S. Space Surveillance Network.

During the program's preliminary design review, the Air Force evaluated cost, schedule, the maturity of technology and design.

"Throughout the program, Raytheon has worked closely with the Air Force to maximize functionality while minimizing and mitigating risk upfront," added Scott Spence, Raytheon's Space Fence program director. "This active collaboration ensures that the capability delivered will meet the Air Force requirements for enhanced situational awareness in space at an affordable cost."