U.S. Space Force Pins Hopes on Space-Based Radar Systems, Northrop Grumman Building GMTI System
The U.S. Space Force is placing new emphasis on space-based radar for persistent ground moving-target indication, with Northrop Grumman developing a system intended to track mobile objects from orbit. Such sensors could maintain coverage across wide or denied regions where aircraft are constrained, while feeding targeting and operational awareness networks with timely movement data. The program must still solve challenges involving radar power, data processing, revisit rates and resilient communications, but it marks a significant expansion of military space missions beyond traditional missile warning and overhead imagery.