V2X has been awarded a contract worth $62 million for maintaining the COBRA DANE radar system located in Alaska. This system plays a crucial role as part of the U.S. Space Force’s operational capacities.
The firm will handle providing operational preparedness, enhancements in capabilities, and engineering assistance for the radar system.
Located at Eareckson Air Station, COBRA DANE stands 120 feet tall with a 95-foot-diameter phased-array surface. It can detect and track objects up to an impressive distance of 2,000 miles.
It started full operations on August 1, 1977, went through major upgrades in the early 1990s, and has had multiple enhancements thereafter.
Under the authority of the Air Force Space Command, COBRA DANE functions as a government-owned installation. The initial creator of the radar system, Raytheon, provides the staff required for its functioning.
It aids the U.S. ballistic missile defense efforts and enhances space situational awareness through the detection and analysis of satellites and space debris within Earth’s orbit.
The main role of COBRA DANE is to collect radar measurements and characteristic information about foreign ballistic missile tests and specific satellite launches.
This data gathering aids in tracking treaties, updating military capabilities, and enhancing defense against missiles.
The radar additionally handles secondary tasks such as tracking newly launched foreign objects and keeping an eye on both registered and unregistered satellites in low-Earth orbit for the Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Operations Cell.
Initially built to assist with intelligence collection for verifying the SALT II arms limitations agreement, COBRA DANE remains a valuable resource for both intelligence and defense purposes.
The work outlined in the contract is set to be completed by March 2027.
The V2X president and CEO, Jeremy Wensinger, stated: "As the reliable partner, V2X has maintained the consistent operational preparedness of COBRA DANE."
In addition, V2X has introduced multiple engineering improvements to this critical system, enhancing its functionalities and preparedness. This comprehensive support underscores our distinctive abilities in radar operations, readiness, and our dedication to bolstering national security through continuous space domain awareness and missile defense.
"V2X to Guarantee Readiness of U.S. Space Force’s COBRA DANE Radar" was initially developed and released by Airforce Technology , a Massimaowned brand.
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