SSC Unified Data Library and Space Fence establish Direct Sensor Connection

Los Angeles Air Force Base -- Space Systems Command has established a permanent capability to directly ingest observation data from the Space Fence radar system into the U.S. Space Force Unified Data Library (UDL). Space Systems Command’s Cross-Mission Data Branch within Space C2 in partnership with Space Fence within the Strategic Warning and Surveillance Systems (HBQ) Division at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, successfully completed testing on Apr. 15.

After the initial connection and a successful 30-day trial period, in which the Space Fence data flow to the UDL was monitored, checked and confirmed, the trial review exit panel approved the permanent capability. This milestone establishes the UDL’s first direct sensor connection with the Space Surveillance Network (SSN), the Department of Defense (DoD) network of ground and space-based sensors that provide observation data on objects in the space environment. “This partnership between Space Fence and the UDL enables the USSF to efficiently access and integrate data to enhance the Space Domain Awareness mission, and sets the example for other SSN sensors to follow suit,” stated Lt Col Daniel Kimmich, chief, SSC’s Cross-Mission Ground and Communication Enterprise Data branch, responsible for the mission area capability. “As the Russian anti-satellite test in November of 2021 highlighted, having an integrated awareness of the increasing number of objects and debris in the space domain is critical to the safety of our astronauts and the security of our space systems.”

Observation data from the Space Fence radar system is now directly available in the UDL, facilitating consolidation and integration with other data sets, visualization, analysis and decision-making for Space Domain Awareness. In addition, this connection further supports the Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) framework, the DoD’s effort to connect sensors, data platforms and weapon systems across the DoD to respond faster and more effectively to threats. “We are excited to implement this modernized capability in collaboration with the UDL, empowering the USSF to leverage Space Fence data to support more missions, systems, decision makers and warfighters,” stated Brittany Peterson, Space Fence Acquisition program manager, SSC Strategic Warning and Surveillance Systems Division.