Northrop Grumman and the United States Space Force’s Space Systems Command have successfully linked multiple ground-based antennas at the Deep-Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) Site 1, located in Western Australia. The demonstration showcased the system’s ability to operate its calibrated antenna arrays as a single unit, tracking the movement of multiple satellites with pinpoint accuracy.
The trial marks a significant milestone as Site 1 moves closer to completion and operational readiness.
Kevin Giammo, Northrop Grumman’s director of space surveillance and environmental intelligence, said the system will offer an unprecedented edge in space domain awareness.
“Northrop Grumman’s DARC will provide a strategic advantage at a scale never before achieved in global space domain awareness. Its ability to track multiple small moving objects more than 35,000 kilometres above Earth will deliver unmatched, persistent and comprehensive capability,” he said.
During the demonstration, DARC:
- Operated seven of its planned 27 antennas, bringing the program a step closer to full operational capacity.
- Showcased technology capable of tracking spacecraft that could threaten space assets or the security of the United States, Australia and allied nations.
- Conducted a multi-week campaign of data collection, analysis and fine-tuning to confirm calibration and operational performance.
A trilateral partnership between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, DARC is designed to deliver an all-weather, global capability to track even the smallest objects in geosynchronous orbit (GEO). This will safeguard critical satellite services used for defence, communications and navigation.
Once fully operational, the system will monitor the movement of objects in, to, and from GEO with unmatched precision – a key capability for identifying and mitigating potential threats.
Unlike optical telescopes, which can be hampered by cloud cover or daylight, DARC’s radar network will operate around the clock in all weather conditions. Its multi-antenna design allows it to function as a single, highly sensitive sensor, providing global coverage and enhancing the USSF’s Space Domain Awareness mission.
With Site 1 in Western Australia progressing towards completion, the DARC program is on track to deliver a leap forward in deep-space security and stability.