Satellites launch in support of US Space Force-8 mission

摘要

A PAIR of Northrop Grumman Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) satellites were launched into orbit on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket on January 21 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station as part of the US Space Force (USSF)-8 mission. The two satellites - GSSAP-5 and GSSAP-6 - will enhance space situational awareness, a top priority for the US Space Force, according to a Northrop Grumman release.In addition to manufacturing and delivering both GSSAP payloads, the company provided the sole strap-on solid rocket booster adding propulsion to the launch, as well as aeronautical components in support of the USSF-8 mission. The GSSAP programme delivers a space-based capability operating in a near-geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO), in support of the US Space Command space surveillance operations.