Is Shutting Down the Space Fence Putting Our Satellites at Risk?

[BobG]

The latest casualty of Congress's sequestration? The http://www.spacenews.com/article/military-space/36655shelton-orders-shutdown-of-space-fence that plays a vital role in protecting the satellites we have in orbit.

First, a contract to upgrade the system is delayed because of budget uncertainties. Now, the fence is being shut down entirely.

In order for our satellites to avoid hitting debris in space, we have to know where it is.

Right now, the best space surveillance system (of which the space fence is part of) provides warnings to operators of military satellites, but that's expanding to include civilian satellites (partly in response to the Iridium/Cosmos collision) and to foreign satellite operators, as well. (All of which require actually increasing the budget for monitoring space debris; not cutting it.)

A second reason for expanding the customers served is that debris from collisions stays in orbit for a long time. Debris from one collision (or ASAT test) increases the risk of collision for all other satellites in similar orbits (for example, six years after the Chinese ASAT test, a piece of debris from that collision took out a Russian satellite).

In other words, the money the government saves now by shutting down the fence will increase costs for everyone later on. And by everyone, I mean everyone that uses services provided by satellites (ATMs, pay-at-the-pump gas stations, satellite TV customers, etc).

In essence, the space surveillance network is evolving into a space version of international air traffic control. And now developing that network is not only slowing down - it's moving the wrong direction.

While there may be legitimate reasons to point the finger at the opposing party for the sequester, that still doesn't change the fact that Congress's job is to figure out how to fund the government - and then do it! Regardless of which party bears most of the blame, the inability to pass a budget year after year after year is plain and simple a failure of every single member of Congress.

Which makes Boehner's comments particularly ironic:

When the Speaker was asked on Wednesday about the president’s speeches around the country to promote his economic plan, he replied by citing Obama’s lackluster approval ratings.

“I’m not going to speak to what the president is doing or why he’s doing it,” Boehner told reporters. “If I had poll numbers as low as his, I’d probably be out doing the same thing if I were him.”

Obama's approval rating at the time was 45%. As a key member of the ever unpopular House, Boehner's approval rating was 18% at the time.

 

[phinds]

... In other words, the money the government saves now by shutting down the fence will increase costs for everyone later on.

Yes, that is how our government works these days.

 

[Decimator]

Why does the government have to provide this service? Why can't satellite operators pay private entities to track debris for them?

 

[russ_watters]

Why does the government have to provide this service? Why can't satellite operators pay private entities to track debris for them?

1. The government is the primary user of this.
2. What "private entities"? This is a task I think only the US military can do adequately.

 

[pmacias]

I am deeply concerned about the decision to shut down the Space Fence. This critical system plays a vital role in protecting our satellites in orbit and preventing collisions with space debris. The fact that it is being shut down due to budget cuts and delays is extremely concerning.

Not only does this decision put our military satellites at risk, it also affects civilian satellites and ultimately, everyday services that rely on these satellites. The long-term consequences of this budget cut could result in increased costs and risks for everyone.

It is also concerning that the space surveillance network, which is crucial for monitoring space debris and preventing collisions, is moving in the wrong direction. This network is evolving into a space version of international air traffic control, and it is essential that it continues to receive proper funding and support.

The failure of Congress to pass a budget and adequately fund important programs like the Space Fence is a disappointment. It is their responsibility to ensure the safety and security of our space assets, and they have failed to do so. The decision to shut down the Space Fence is a clear indication of this failure.

I find it ironic that Speaker Boehner would criticize President Obama's approval ratings while ignoring his own low approval rating as a member of Congress. This decision to shut down the Space Fence is a reflection of the failure of every single member of Congress to properly fund and support important programs.

In conclusion, as a scientist, I urge Congress to reconsider their decision to shut down the Space Fence and to prioritize the safety and security of our space assets. The consequences of this budget cut could have far-reaching effects and it is imperative that we take action to prevent them.