Northrop Grumman GSSAP
The GSSAP (Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program) satellites have been developed by the USAF and Orbital Sciences (now Northrop Grumman) to provide a space-based space surveillance platform, to detect and track potential adversaries' space assets. The satellites operate near the GEO belt, and are capable of performing so-called Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO), i.e., they can maneuver towards other objects in GEO to inspect them at close range.
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| Image: USSF |
| GSSAP |
As of early 2024, six GSSAP satellites have been put into orbit, two each on three launches. Of these, five are still active. At least one more launch with satellites GSSAP-7 and -8 is planned.
| Name | Intl. Designation | Launch | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GSSAP-1 | 2014-043A | 28-Jul-2014 | Also known as USA-253 |
| GSSAP-2 | 2014-043B | 28-Jul-2014 | Also known as USA-254; deactivated in July 2023 |
| GSSAP-3 | 2016-052A | 19-Aug-2016 | Also known as USA-270 |
| GSSAP-4 | 2016-052B | 19-Aug-2016 | Also known as USA-271 |
| GSSAP-5 | 2022-006A | 21-Jan-2022 | Also known as USA-324 |
| GSSAP-6 | 2022-006B | 21-Jan-2022 | Also known as USA-325 |
Launch dates of the GSSAP series
Main Sources
[1] Wikipedia: Space Based Space Surveillance
[2] Gunter Krebs: GSSAP 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
[3] USSF:
Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program
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Last Updated: 1 February 2024