The AN/FSY‐3 (Space Fence) S-band radar is the dedicated southern hemisphere space surveillance asset, capable of low-inclination tracking. The second-generation space surveillance system is designed to track and detect any object larger than a softball in low-Earth orbit, as well as some deep space objects. It replaced the VHF Air Force Space Surveillance Systems (AFSSS), also called Space Fence, which ceased operations in 2013. Operated by the 20th Space Surveillance Squadron, it can detect, track and identify up to 500 satellites simultaneously. The unique structural design allows for 360-degrees of azimuth coverage. The antenna covers +20° to +90° elevation. The radar can track an object the size of a beach ball at a of more than 36,000 km. In May, Lockheed Martin was awarded a $27 million modification contract by Space Systems Command for radar optimization, software maintenance, and intelligence support functions as well as additional upgrades.
AN/FSY-3 (Space Fence) Technical Data
Contractor: Lockheed Martin.
Operator/Location: 20th Space Surveillance Squadron, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands.
IOC: 2020.
Active Systems: One S-band radar.