Air Force activates two space tracking satellites

The Air Force has activated two space-based tracking satellites for the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program.

GSSAP 3 and 4 were launched into orbit on Aug. 19, 2016, and activated by the 1st Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, on Sept. 12 of this year.

The first two GSSAP satellites were launched in 2015.

“This addition to GSSAP is vital to expand 1 SOPS’s space-based space situational awareness mission,” according to the Air Force. “It not only provides a significant improvement in space object characterization, but also in detecting threats. Because of its near-geosynchronous orbit, it has a clear and distinct vantage point to avoid the weather interruptions that can limit ground-based space surveillance systems.”

More In Satellites

Space Force missions delayed by rocket woes may not launch this year

Even if ULA's Vulcan rocket is certified in the coming weeks, time is running out to fly the missions before the end of the year, an official said.

Pentagon picks programmers to connect its Replicator drone swarms

The announcement comes a week after the Pentagon revealed several of the drones it plans to buy through Replicator.

Pentagon announces hypersonic testing pact with UK, Australia

The agreement, which falls under AUKUS Pillar II, aims to leverage the three nations’ combined hypersonics funding, facilities and experience.

Notre Dame unveils first-ever hypersonic Mach 10 wind tunnel

A first-of-its-kind test facility unveiled earlier this month at the University of Notre Dame could improve the Pentagon’s hypersonic research.

Space Force targeting more affordable GPS satellites

The program comes amid growing concern from Pentagon and other government leaders about GPS vulnerability.