GSSAP supplies space-based tracking and characterization of manmade objects in geosynchronous orbit, aiding safety, and enabling avoidance. They are the “neighborhood watch” satellites. The satellites operate in near-geosynchronous orbit to effectively monitor objects and aid in preventing collisions in space. GSSAP carry EO/IR sensors and are able to maneuver to observe objects at close range or conduct rendezvous. They can track objects beyond the weather and atmospheric disruptions that affect ground-based systems. Two GSSAP satellites were launched in 2014 and attained IOC in 2015. Two more replenishment satellites launched Aug. 19, 2016, and became operational Sept. 12, 2017.
USSF completed a significant overhaul and upgrade of the GSSAP ground system software to enhance the reliability, speed, and security of the system in February 2020. The upgrades also pave the way for future expansion of the constellation. The fifth and sixth sensors launched aboard the USSF-8 mission from Cape Canaveral on Jan. 21, 2022, and were declared operational several months later. USSF announced the on-orbit decommissioning of GSSAP 2 on Aug. 2, 2023. On Feb. 12, 2026, the Space Force launched GSSAP 7 & 8 satellites aboard ULA Vulcan Centaur to enhance space domain awareness. Two more are in production, and the service is pursuing a commercial follow-on/supplemental program called RG-XX.
Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program Technical Data
Contractor: Northrop Grumman Space Systems.
Operator/Location: USSF CFC, Mission Delta 9 (DEL 9), 1st Space Operations Squadron (1 SOPS), Schriever SFB, Colo.
First Launch: July 28, 2014
IOC: Sept. 29, 2015.
Launch Vehicle: Delta IV, Atlas V (USSF-8).
Constellation: Six spacecraft.
Active Satellites: •GSSAP 1. Launched in 2014; on orbit, active. •GSSAP 2. Launched in 2014, nonoperational orbit, decommissioned in 2023. •GSSAP 3. Launched in 2016, on orbit, active. •GSSAP 4. Launched in 2016, on orbit, active. •GSSAP 5. Launched in 2022, on orbit, active. •GSSAP 6. Launched in 2022, on orbit, active. •GSSAP 7 &8. Launched in 2026, on orbit, active.
Orbit Altitude: Near-geosynchronous at 22,300 miles.
Power: Solar panels.