BAE awarded US space radar contract extension

24th Feb 2014 16:54

BAE Systems has been awarded a three year contract extension to continue maintaining space radars used by the US Air Force Space Command for missile warning and space surveillance operations. The award is a continuation of work that BAE Systems has been performing for the program since 2007, and raises the cumulative value of the contract to approximately $540m. BAE provides a range of services, including around-the-clock operations and maintenance, to manage and sustain the radars, called the Solid State Phased Array Radar System (SSPARS). SSPARS is a complex network of radars that tracks more than 16,000 objects orbiting Earth. The radar system detects and identifies various man-made objects in space, such as active or inactive satellites, rocket parts, and other debris. The system also tracks objects that may enter the atmosphere ? information that is vital to air missile defence operations and to protecting against submarine-launched ballistic missiles. "The contract extension builds on our strong and successful track record in support of Air Force Space Command," said Tom White, senior director of Mission Support Solutions at BAE Systems. "This program is a critical part of national defence, and our role ensures that our customer is always ready." In late afternoon trade BAE shares were up 1.4% or 5.85p to 417.15p. KP