Surveillance Satellite Heads to Launch Site

June 3, 2010

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

Boeing announced Tuesday that the Air Force’s space based space surveillance system satellite has been shipped to Vandenberg AFB, Calif., in preparation for its scheduled launch on July 8. The move comes after the satellite completed its final factory functional checkout. The satellite will now be readied for integration onto its host Minotaur IV launch vehicle. Once on orbit, SBSS will be the sole US space-based platform for detecting and monitoring objects in space. Air Force officials have said it will significantly improve US ability to track and monitor satellites, debris, and other objects in space that could threaten US space assets. Boeing and partner Ball Aerospace are supplying the satellite.

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

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