Air Force Space Command’s two “neighborhood watch” Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) satellite constellations? attained initial operational capability in late September, AFSPC announced Oct. 7. The satellites, launched last July, will complement the low-earth orbit Space Based Space Surveillance system, by providing similar object-tracking in geosynchronous orbit. GSSAP “will improve our ability to rapidly detect, warn, characterize, and attribute disturbances to space systems” according to AFSPC’s release. “The system reduces the likelihood of space collision, increases safety in this domain,” and will support US Strategic Command’s space-based awareness mission. The satellites, which are equipped with electro-optical sensors, were announced for the first time early last year. They are designed to last until replacement satellites, which are planned for launch next year, become operational.
President Donald Trump’s nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff touted his highly unusual background for the job as an asset and reaffirmed his commitment to stay apolitical during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on April 1.