Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company’s Astronautics Operations has been awarded one of two study contract options to continue detailed designs of a space-based radar demonstration system for the U.S. government.
The system, called Discoverer II, will feature two spacecraft and is being designed to demonstrate the operational utility, technical feasibility and affordability of a larger, operational system that would provide constant, worldwide surveillance in all weather conditions.
The project is managed by the Discoverer II Joint Program Office that includes the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the U.S. Air Force and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).
TRW also was awarded one of the two $6 million, five-month long, phase one B study options. In March 2001, the Discoverer II Joint Program Office plans to award a phase two contract to build and launch two spacecraft and perform a 12-month feasibility demonstration.
Discoverer II will demonstrate surveillance of fixed and moving targets with an unprecedented, all-weather, day/night capability. Discoverer II will meet the needs of U.S. forces for real-time surveillance by using ground moving target indicators, high-resolution synthetic aperture radar and precision digital terrain elevation data. This system will enhance the nation’s existing capabilities.
