The UK, the US and Australia will join forces to monitor deep space using a high-powered radar as part of the AUKUS security pact.
As part of the agreement, the nations will set up three radars, which will be part of the same network, the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC). The one hosted by the UK is set to be built in Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire, Wales, and could be up and running by 2030.
The radars will be tasked with protecting satellites and assisting with space traffic by identifying objects in deep space – up to 22,000 miles (36,000 km) away from Earth.
In a post on X – the platform formally known as Twitter – Grant Shapps said: “We will build a global space radar system capable of constantly tracking threats in deep space.”
The radars will be operated from the ground and equipped to provide 24/7 monitoring in all weathers. They have higher sensitivity, better accuracy, increased capacity and more agile tracking than the current radars, the MoD said. Moreover, the “unique geographic positioning” of three radars would provide global monitoring and coverage.
US assistant secretary of defence for space policy Dr John Plumb added: “DARC will leverage the geography of the US, Australia and the UK to further enhance our collective space domain awareness: the ability to track, identify and characterise space objects.
“Space domain awareness is foundational to responsible space operations, and it is essential for responding to activity in space, whether that activity is routine or hostile.”
The announcement has been interpreted as a response to China’s increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. During the conference, officials referred to the Chinese navy’s unsafe use of sonar pulses against Australian divers from the frigate HMAS Toowoomba last month.
The first radar is expected to be built in Australia and could be up and running as early as 2026. All three sites are expected to be operational by the end of the decade.
In March, the AUKUS nations announced their intention to deliver a new generation of nuclear-powered submarines that will feature “one of the most advanced” submarines “the world has ever known”.
Source: E&T
