Testing Complete On SBSS, Ground Systems

The Space Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) satellite and ground system built by Ball Aerospace and Boeing have completed final testing and are scheduled to be launched September 25 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc, CA.

SBSS Ready To Ship Photo Courtesy Ball Aerospace Media Kit

Once on orbit, SBSS will dramatically improve the accuracy and timeliness of space situational awareness for the United States. The satellite will be the U.S. Air Force's only space-based sensor capable of detecting and monitoring debris, satellites and other space objects without limitations from weather, atmosphere or time of day.

"Every day, threats to our nation's valuable satellites and space platforms are growing," said Col. J.R. Jordan, vice commander, Space Superiority Systems Wing, U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, in a news release Tuesday. "SBSS will revolutionize our ability to find and monitor objects that could harm the space assets we depend on for security, communications, weather forecasting and many other essential services."  

"With its gimbaled camera, reprogrammable onboard processor and open ground system architecture, SBSS can respond quickly to today's changing mission requirements and adapt to meet tomorrow's threats as well," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "Boeing looks forward to putting these advanced capabilities into action for the Air Force."

The Boeing team, including Ball Aerospace, delivered the groundbreaking SBSS system less than three years after the Air Force's Critical Design Review. In May, the satellite was shipped from Ball Aerospace's facility in Boulder, CO, to Vandenberg Air Force Base. Since then, the SBSS team has completed three full launch countdown rehearsals with the launch team at Vandenberg Air Force Base and the mission-operation team in the SBSS Satellite Operations Center at Schriever Air Force Base, CO. The Air Force and the Boeing team completed the final mission operations dress rehearsal in June.

Ball is proud to contribute to a program that will improve productivity and overall flexibility for space situational awareness," said David L. Taylor, president and CEO of Ball Aerospace. "SBSS is a critical component that will allow the Air Force to keep a sharper eye on developments that might threaten U.S. assets in space."

"The SBSS team is ready to go on September 25," said Todd Citron, director, Boeing Advanced Space and Intelligence Systems. "We've thoroughly rehearsed all plans and procedures, the Satellite Operations Center has been configured for flight operations, and the SBSS satellite and Minotaur launch vehicle are completing final preparations. We're looking forward to putting this spacecraft into orbit so that it can perform its vital mission."

FMI: www.ballaerospace.com, www.boeing.com