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. The satellites are also known by the name "Hornet".
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| Image: USSF |
| GSSAP |
As of February 2026, eight GSSAP satellites have been put into orbit, two each on four launches. Of these, seven are still active. Two additional satellites are planned to be launched in 2027 or later.
| Name | Intl. Designation | Launch | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GSSAP 1 (Hornet 1) | 2014-043A | 28 Jul 2014 | Also known as USA 253 |
| GSSAP 2 (Hornet 2) | 2014-043B | 28 Jul 2014 | Also known as USA 254; deactivated in July 2023 |
| GSSAP 3 (Hornet 3) | 2016-052A | 19 Aug 2016 | Also known as USA 270 |
| GSSAP 4 (Hornet 4) | 2016-052B | 19 Aug 2016 | Also known as USA 271 |
| GSSAP 5 (Hornet 5) | 2022-006A | 21 Jan 2022 | Also known as USA 324 |
| GSSAP 6 (Hornet 6) | 2022-006B | 21 Jan 2022 | Also known as USA 325 |
| GSSAP 7 (Hornet 7) | 2026-029A | 12 Feb 2026 | Also known as USA 582 |
| GSSAP 8 (Hornet 8) | 2026-029B | 12 Feb 2026 | Also known as USA 583 |
Launch dates of the GSSAP series
Main Sources
[1] Wikipedia: Space Based Space Surveillance
[2] Gunter Krebs: GSSAP 1, ..., 10 (Hornet 1, ..., 10)
[3] USSF:
Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program
Back to Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles, Appendix 3
Last Updated: 15 February 2026