USAF hands BAE Systems contract extension to maintain space radars

The U.S. Air Force Space Command has awarded BAE Systems a three-year contract extension to continue maintaining its space radars, which are used for missile warning and space surveillance operations.

The company provides a range of services, including around-the-clock operations and maintenance, to manage and sustain these critical assets. The award is a continuation of work that BAE Systems has been performing for the program since 2007, and raises the cumulative value of the contract to approximately $540 million.

The Solid State Phased Array Radar System (SSPARS) is a complex network of radars that tracks more than 16,000 objects orbiting Earth. The radar system detects and identifies various man-made objects in space, such as active or inactive satellites, rocket parts and other debris. The system also tracks objects that may enter the atmosphere — information that is vital to air missile defense operations and to protecting against submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

“The contract extension builds on our strong and successful track record in support of Air Force Space Command,” said Tom White, senior director of mission support solutions at BAE Systems. “This program is a critical part of national defense, and our role ensures that our customer is always ready.”

SSPARS is capable of conducting about 40,000 space observations daily. System locations include Cape Cod Air Force Station in Massachusetts, Beale Air Force Base in California, Clear Air Force Station in Alaska, Thule Air Base in Greenland and the Royal Air Force Fylingdales in the United Kingdom.