GSSAP 2 (AFSPC 4, USA 254)

Spacecraft nº:

US spacecraft nº:

Launch data:

Spacecraft data:

Description:

• USA 254 is a satellite that is part of Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP). GSSAP satellites are a space-based capability operating in the near-geosynchronous orbit regime supporting U.S. Strategic Command space surveillance operations as a dedicated Space Surveillance Network (SSN) sensor.
• Accourding to USAF officials, the GSSAP satellites will drift above and below the GEO belt, using electro-optical sensors to collect information on satellites and other objects in that region. The satellites are maneuverable, allowing them to collect intelligence on specific target satellites. GSSAP provides “accurate tracking and characterization” of satellites.

Mission details:

• United Launch Alliance launched a Delta 4 rocket on Jul 28, 2014 with three payloads. GSSAP 1 and 2, built by Orbital for US Air Force Space Command, will catalog satellites and space debris in geostationary orbit. ANGELS is a smaller satellite, around 70 kg, for the Air Force Research Lab and will make observations of the Delta rocket's second stage at ranges from 50 km down to a few km, for further development of satellite inspection technology. The exact orbit of the satellites is not known but is probably a few hundred km below GEO.

External links:

• Satellite tracking:
  Real time satellite tracking