RAF Fylingdales working 24/7 over Christmas tracking space objects ... and Santa!
The ballistic missile early warning station can track objects in space up to 3,000 nautical miles away, the RADAR operators are able to see the International Space Station and objects as small as a can of coke, or Christmas cracker.
Vigilamus is the Station motto and translates as ‘we are watching’ - the military and civilian operators do this 365 days a year providing a continuous watch over space.
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Hide AdThe Solid State Phased Array RADAR is one of many sensors that tracks space debris and enables satellites to operate safely. It replaced the icons of the moors, the three mechanical golf balls, 26 years ago.
The pyramid has now become a famous landmark on the road from Whitby to Pickering.
Wing Commander Alun Walton said: “RAF Fylingdales is proud to provide security for the UK and this doesn’t stop during the Christmas period.
“The close relationship between military and civilian staff continues in order to maintain the Station’s operational output - not least tracking Santa on Christmas Eve.”
Follow the RAF base’s activities on Twitter and Instagram @RAFFylingdales.