GSSAP Launch Scrubbed

July 24, 2014

The launch of the first two new Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program satellites was scrubbed Wednesday “due to an issue with the ground support equipment environmental control system that supports the launch vehicle,” Air Force Space Command spokeswoman Capt. Caitlin Suttie told Air Force Magazine. The launch has been rescheduled for 6:59 p.m. Thursday at Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., “pending resolution” of the issue, she added. Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon on July 22, AFSPC boss Gen. William Shelton compared the new space situational satellites to a neighborhood watch system, saying he hopes the satellites deter adversaries from placing “nefarious” objects into orbit. “The GSSAP satellites will provide US Strategic Command with space situational awareness data allowing for more accurate tracking and characterization of man-made orbiting objects,” states an Air Force release. “The satellites will drift a safe distance away from the GEO belt while surveilling the area to further enable spaceflight safety.”

Related Content

Boeing Claims Progress on T-7 and Other Challenged Programs

April 25, 2025
Boeing appears to have become to overcome the problems that led to billions in losses on fixed-price defense contracts in recent years, point the company back toward profitabily, says Boeing president and CEO Kelly Ortberg.

Lockheed Offers a New Low-Cost Cruise Missile as Part of ‘High-Low Mix’

March 6, 2025
Lockheed Martin is offering a low-cost air vehicle it calls a flying "truck" that could be a cruise missile or sensor platform, intended to be the "low end" complement to the high-end JASSM/LRASM stealth cruise missiles, and help the Air Force achieve "affordable mass" in a future conflict..

Air Force Missile Cancer Study Samples for New Chemicals, Finds No Health Hazard

Oct. 23, 2024
The latest round of environmental sampling for the Air Force’s Missile Community Cancer Study found trace amounts of potentially harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds in the service’s ICBM facilities, but not at levels that would pose a health hazard, Air Force Global Strike Command announced Oct. 22.

USAF F-15s Arriving in Middle East as Israel Weighs Response to Iran Attack

Oct. 9, 2024
More of the U.S. Air Force fighters directed to deploy to the Middle East late last month began arriving in the region as Israel contemplates its response to Tehran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel. A squadron of F-15E Strike Eagles from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, is deploying to…

Greece to Buy Up to 40 F-35s, Growing Fighter’s European Footprint

July 25, 2024
Greece is acquiring at least 20 F-35s in a deal valued at $3.5 billion but could double that number with options. It will continue upgrading some of its F-16s but sell some off, possibly to Ukraine, and offer its French Mirage 2000s and Rafales to other countries, as well.

Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2

April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.

First AI Dogfights Focus on Safety, Building for CCA Applications 

April 21, 2024
The first live-fly dogfights pitting artificial intelligence against human pilots took place last fall, and more tests are planned as the Air Force prepares to launch the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, DARPA and Air Force test officials reported.

US, UK Unleash New Wave of Strikes on Houthi Missile Sites

Jan. 22, 2024
The U.S. and U.K. launched a new wave of strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen on Jan. 22, hitting radars, missile support systems, and underground weapon storage areas, the Pentagon said. The strikes were in response to Houthi attacks on American commercial ships in the Red Sea.