GovWire

In December 2023 the United Kingdom, United States and Australia announced the creation of the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) programme. DARC will enable detection, identification, and tracking of objects in Earth orbit. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is proposing to house the UK DARC site at the former Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire.

UK Space Command: Keeping space safe, secure, and sustainable

About DARC

DARC will form the cornerstone of the UKs ability to detect, identify and track objects in Earth orbit, including satellites, space debris, and asteroids. This is essential for ensuring our continued ability to safely and securely operate space-based services including satellites which are used for navigation, weather forecasting, and communication.

The use of three sites for DARC (in the UK, US and Australia) will enable 360 degree coverage of the sky at all times of day and under any weather conditions. The UKs contribution to this project is therefore crucial to its success.

The MOD is proposing to house the main UK contribution to DARC at the Cawdor Barracks site in Pembrokeshire. This would see the site remain operational beyond the original planned closure date of 2028 and would support the local community by offering access to well-paid jobs and opportunities.

MOD proposal for the Cawdor Barracks site

All MOD projects follow a strict planning and environmental assurance process, agreed with the local Council, to ensure that proposed facilities are safe and suitable for use.

The MOD has already begun a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed redevelopment of Cawdor Barracks.This includes a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment to ensure that the DARC project has a minimal impact on the local skyline.

These documents will be submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council as part of the planning process. Their approval will be conditional on demonstration that DARC has met all required safety and environmental impact standards.

What is non-ionising radiation?

DARC will bounce radio waves off objects in space to detect, track, and characterise them.

The radio waves used by DARC are non-ionising radiation. They are not hazardous to health because they do not have enough energy to cause harmful ionisation. Radio waves are used in a wide variety of household devices including mobile phones, WiFi and GPS.

Additionally, MOD safety processes will ensure that DARC meets or exceeds international environmental and health standards for non-ionising radiation including those set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Levels of non-ionising radiation in the area surrounding the DARC site would be less than or equal to that received from using a mobile phone, presenting no danger to members of the public in the area.

Public engagement

The MOD will work with the local community and Pembrokeshire County Council throughout the planning and proposed construction and operations of the DARC facility.

Two public information events were held in September 2024 prior to the statutory consultation period (which will take place in 2025).

DARC Proposal at Cawdor Barracks (PDF, 3.22 MB, 13 pages)

Related information

National Space Strategy
Defence Space Strategy
New deep space radar will transform UK security