SBSS is designed to track, characterize, measure, and collect optical signatures of Earth-orbiting objects, including space vehicles and debris. Built by Boeing, SBSS primarily uses a trainable, ground-controlled Space-Based Visible Sensor to track satellites and was meant to cover a four-year gap in coverage until the Space Force can launch a follow-on spacecraft. SBSS works in concert with an array of networked, ground-based sensors including the Space Fence wide-area search and surveillance system on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. SBSS collision-warning data were made openly available to the public in 2020 to improve domain awareness and orbital safety, and USSF is considering handing off operations to a contracted service provider.
Space-Based Space Surveillance Technical Data
Contractors: Boeing (system integration, ground segment, operations and sustainment); Ball Aerospace (satellite).
Operator/Location: USSF CFC, Space Delta 9 (DEL 9), 1st Space Operations Squadron (1 SOPS), Schriever SFB, Colo.
First Launch: Sept. 25, 2010.
IOC: Aug. 17, 2012 (SBSS).
Design Life: Seven yr.
Launch Vehicle: Minotaur IV.
Constellation: One LEO satellite; one LEO augmentation satellite.
Active Satellites: •SBSS Block 10. Launched in 2010; active.