The Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability is the newest US system for keeping tabs on the heavens, with three ground sites. (Space Force Graphic Courtesy of Northrop Grumman)
WASHINGTON ― The Space Force has selected Lake Kickapoo, Texas, as the “preferred” location for the third and final site of the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) space tracking network.
“Pending final planning approvals,” construction at the site “is expected to begin in 2027 following contract award and completion of required approvals,” according to a Space Force press release on Wednesday. “The site is projected to complete civil construction in 2029, followed by technical testing and evaluation, with operational acceptance planned for 2030.”
The planning approval process includes getting a certification from the Federal Aviation Administration that the radar will not interfere with those used by civil aircraft traffic controllers.
“Selecting Texas as the preferred location for the final DARC site keeps us on track to deliver a truly global deep-space sensing network with our closest allies,” Chief of Space Operations Gen. Douglas Schiess said in the Space Force announcement. “This capability will improve visibility in our contested domain and reinforce our shared capacity to protect the space systems on which our nations rely.”
