Northrop Wins ‘Space Fence’ Contract

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Northrop Grumman Corp. has been awarded a $30 million contract from the U.S. Air Force for development of what’s called the Space Fence a ground radar system that keeps track of junk in orbit.

The Space Fence will replace the Air Force Space Surveillance System, which was built in 1961 and has a hard time handling the growing number of small and micro satellites in orbit.

“The new Space Fence system will provide better accuracy and faster detection thus avoiding collision and damage to other satellites,” said Rich Davis, director of special projects at Northrop’s advanced concepts and technology division.

Australia may be the site of the first Space Fence location, and two additional locations are under consideration, Northrop said.

Northrop shares were up 74 cents, or 2 percent, to $44.01 in midday trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

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