The US Space Force is set to launch a constellation of satellites this summer to track Chinese or Russian space vehicles that can potentially disable or damage orbiting objects, the latest step in the burgeoning extra-terrestrial contest between superpowers.

Named “Silent Barker,” the network would be the first of its kind to complement ground-based sensors and low-earth orbit satellites, according to the Space Force and analysts. The satellites will be 22000 miles that is 35,400 kilometers away from the Earth. It will rotate at the same speed known as geosynchronous orbit.

The space force said, “This capability enables indications and warnings of threats” against high-value US systems and will “provide capabilities to search, detect, and track objects from space for timely threat detection.”

The Silent Barker satellite constellation is scheduled for launch after July on board an Atlas V booster operated by the Boeing Co.-Lockheed Martin Corp.’s United Launch Alliance, the NRO said in a statement. The launch date will be announced 30 days in advance on Facebook and Twitter.

Silent Barker: Response to China and Russia

Silent Barker is a response to efforts by China and Russia to develop systems capable of being launched into orbit and taking out other satellites, something that’s a growing concern to the US.

Sarah Mineiro is former lead staffer on the House Armed Services Committee strategic subcommittee that oversees space programs. She said, “The new constellation “will dramatically increase Space Force’s ability to track on-orbit, adversary satellites that could be maneuvering around or in proximity to our satellites.”

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Grappling Satellites of US Work Force

Silent Barker addresses the limitations of ground or lower-orbit surveillance systems and allows the US to “really figure out what is going on up there in space,” she said.

In its annual threat assessment this year, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said China has weapons intended to target US and allied satellites, and “counterspace operations will be integral to potential PLA military campaigns,” referring to the People’s Liberation Army.

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