The US Space Force is set to launch a constellation of satellites this summer to track Chinese or Russian space vehicles that can potentially disable or damage orbiting objects, the latest step in the burgeoning extra-terrestrial contest between superpowers.
Dubbed “Silent Barker,” the network would be the first of its kind to complement ground-based sensors and low-earth orbit satellites, according to the Space Force and analysts. The satellites will be placed about 35,400km above the Earth and at the same speed it rotates, known as geosynchronous orbit.
“This capability enables indications and warnings of threats” against high-value US systems and will “provide capabilities to search, detect, and track objects from spacefor timely threat detection,” the Space Force said.
The Silent Barker is scheduled for launch after July on board an Atlas V booster operated by the Boeing Co. -Lockheed Martin Corp. ’s United Launch Alliance, the NRO said. The launch date will be announced 30 days in advance on Facebook and Twitter. Silent Barker is a response to efforts by China and Russia to develop system capable of being launched into orbit and taking out other satellites.
Dubbed “Silent Barker,” the network would be the first of its kind to complement ground-based sensors and low-earth orbit satellites, according to the Space Force and analysts. The satellites will be placed about 35,400km above the Earth and at the same speed it rotates, known as geosynchronous orbit.
“This capability enables indications and warnings of threats” against high-value US systems and will “provide capabilities to search, detect, and track objects from spacefor timely threat detection,” the Space Force said.
The Silent Barker is scheduled for launch after July on board an Atlas V booster operated by the Boeing Co. -Lockheed Martin Corp. ’s United Launch Alliance, the NRO said. The launch date will be announced 30 days in advance on Facebook and Twitter. Silent Barker is a response to efforts by China and Russia to develop system capable of being launched into orbit and taking out other satellites.