U.S. Space Force selects Texas for final DARC radar site

The U.S. Space Force has selected Lake Kickapoo, a site in north-central Texas, as the third and final location for the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) program. The selection is pending final planning approvals.

DARC is a trilateral initiative between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, established under a 22-year memorandum of understanding. The network of three advanced ground-based sensors is designed to provide continuous space domain awareness by tracking objects in geosynchronous orbit (GEO). This capability aims to protect critical satellite systems and improve visibility in contested space domains.

The existing or planned sites include Western Australia and Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Construction at the Texas site is expected to begin next year following regulatory approval and contract awards, with operational acceptance targeted for 2030.