🚀🌍 Big Decisions Ahead! The Welsh Government is stepping in to decide the fate of a controversial space radar project in beautiful Pembrokeshire. Originally set to be debated locally, the Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) plans will now be determined by national leaders. This project involves installing 27 radar antennae at Cawdor Barracks as part of a global network with the US and Australia to track satellites and other space objects.
The DARC system is touted as vital for protecting satellite services, crucial for national security. But not everyone is convinced. Critics argue it’s a step towards the militarisation of space, with actor Jerome Flynn calling it “abominable.” Protests have erupted, with over 1,000 objections and public demonstrations in Haverfordwest.
PARC against DARC, a local group opposing the project, successfully lobbied for the ‘call-in,’ claiming it targets satellites globally and contributes to escalating US military spending. The UK Defence Secretary chose the Pembrokeshire site, with the US military heavily involved.
The Welsh Government’s decision to take over comes amid concerns about national security, planning conflicts, and striking impacts on landscapes and ecology. As debates heat up, protestors plan to gather on July 28 at County Hall, Haverfordwest for a vigil supporting the government’s call-in.
Stay tuned for updates as the Welsh Government decides how to proceed with this significant proposal. Let us know your thoughts on this space-age controversy in the comments below! 💬✨