The United States, United Kingdom, and Australia are significantly advancing the development of the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC), a crucial initiative aimed at bolstering space domain awareness and safeguarding vital satellite services. This collaborative effort underscores a shared commitment to ensuring the security and sustainability of operations in the increasingly congested domain of space. The first DARC site, strategically located in Exmouth, Western Australia, has successfully completed construction, finishing three months ahead of its projected schedule. Mission system integration and testing are currently in progress, with the site slated for full operational capability by 2027. DARC is engineered for continuous, all-weather surveillance of the geosynchronous orbit, situated approximately 22,000 miles above Earth. This advanced radar system will enable the precise detection, tracking, identification, and characterization of objects in deep space, a capability vital for protecting satellites from threats such as space debris and potential adversarial actions.
The United Kingdom is establishing its DARC site at Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Environmental assessments and planning are underway, with the facility anticipated to be operational by 2030. A third site is planned for the continental United States, though its specific location is yet to be determined. The entire DARC network is expected to achieve full operational status by 2032. This ambitious project is a testament to the robust collaboration between the three AUKUS partners. The initiative highlights a proactive approach to space security, recognizing that the growing density of objects in orbit, including thousands of defunct satellites and debris fragments, necessitates enhanced monitoring. The Iridium 33 and Cosmos 2251 collision in 2009, which generated thousands of debris fragments, serves as a stark reminder of the cascading risks, often referred to as the Kessler Syndrome, that threaten the space environment. DARC's ability to track objects as small as 10 centimeters from vast distances is a significant leap forward in mitigating these risks. Furthermore, DARC's global network is designed to overcome the limitations of individual nations' geographical coverage, providing a comprehensive view of the geosynchronous orbit. This shared awareness is essential for deterring potential adversaries, enhancing space traffic management, and enabling early warning of satellite maneuvers. As the U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations, Gen. Chance B. Saltzman, noted in April 2025, the space domain is too vast and complex for any single nation to secure alone, emphasizing the critical nature of such international partnerships. The DARC initiative, with its advanced radar technology and collaborative framework, represents a significant stride towards ensuring a secure and stable space environment for all.