Lockheed Martin is determined to keep satellites orbiting Earth safe from space debris and has decided to team up with Electro Optic Systems (EOS) to build a facility in Australia dedicated to keeping tabs on potential threats.
EOS says that through the 2000s, upwards of $400 billion worth of equipment was sent into space.
The new facility will be constructed in Western Australia and begin operation in early 2016.
It is expected to increase the world’s ability to track space debris by at least 25%, allowing for us to better protect our satellites.
The facility will utilize telescope-like optical systems in conjunction with lasers to track the debris, which can be as small as 1 to 10mm, while larger pieces of debris can easily demolish a satellite.
Rick Ambrose, a Lockheed Martin Space Systems executive, said in a statement, “Ground-based space situational awareness is a growing priority for government and commercial organizations around the world that need to protect their investments in space.”
Ambrose believes the project will “offer customers a clearer picture of the objects that could endanger their satellites.”
