To track objects at a greater distance in deep space, The US Space Force is developing a new radar system.

Known as the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC), it is a system that is aiming to be situated in sites around the world that include The UK, Australia and Texas.

The sites would host several large satellite dishes within an area of 1 kilometre square, with the Ministry of Defence stating that they have the potential to make space “safer and more secure”.

The aim of the system is to pinpoint potential threats to high-value assets such as military satellites. These threats include space debris and weaponry from other countries that is capable of disabling satellites altogether. According to an article via BBC News, both China and Russia have been accused by the US and Britain of producing weaponry to do such a thing.

With a capability of identifying objects the size of a football of up to 36,000km (22,400 miles) away, the DARC system will be far more advanced compared to current services. For example, radar systems at RAF Fylingdales in North Yorkshire can only recognise an object at a maximum distance of 20,000km (12,400 miles) away.

“This new radar capability has the potential to make space safer and more secure, helping to protect our satellite system by tracking and monitoring objects,” said a spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence.

“We are exploring our potential partnership with the USA on DARC and discussions so far have been positive.”