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

US Space Force moves to make its systems battle-ready by 2026

The service has set a goal to ensure that four high-priority, classified systems are fully integrated into its C2 architecture.

US Space Force sees surge in foreign military sales demand

Space Systems Command’s FMS division saw a 500% increase in requests between 2023 and 2024.

US needs more AI investment, not just guardrails, defense experts say

Defense and industry officials said the White House's AI policy memo should be accompanied by greater investment in enabling infrastructure.

Space Development Agency builds vendor pool for future demo missions

Through the effort, dubbed HALO, the agency will run rapid on-orbit demonstrations aimed at reducing risk for future operational missions.

Space Force orders more missile-tracking satellites from Millennium

Millennium will deliver six more spacecraft for the service's Missile Track Custody program as part of the $386 million deal.