US Military Deploys 'Neighborhood Watch' Satellites
The early hours of a recent day saw the successful launch of a pair of surveillance satellites into space. The mission, dubbed USSF-87, was initiated by the US military and took off from a Space Force Station in Florida.
The primary function of these satellites is to serve as components of the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP), a sophisticated reconnaissance system. To date, six GSSAP satellites have been deployed into space, with two being launched during each mission in 2014, 2016, and 2022.
The Technology Behind the Satellites
These high-performance satellites are designed and built to operate high above Earth, maintaining a vigilant watch over activities in geostationary orbit (GEO). This orbit lies 22,236 miles (35,785 kilometers) above the Earth. At this altitude, the speed of the satellite's orbit matches the rotational speed of our planet, letting the satellites "hover" over a specific area continuously. This makes GEO an ideal location for weather, reconnaissance, and communications satellites.
The GSSAP satellites function as a dedicated Space Surveillance Network sensor. They provide 'neighborhood watch' services in the geostationary Earth arena, enhancing flight safety for all nations operating in that orbit.
Beneficial Impact of the Surveillance Satellites
These satellites provide detailed information about the position and activities of other satellites within the crowded GEO. This data significantly enhances the ability to issue early warnings if another object is predicted to approach too closely or create a hazardous situation. The GSSAP data contributes to timely and accurate orbital predictions, boosting our knowledge of the GEO environment and promoting spaceflight safety, including satellite collision avoidance.
Additional Payloads on USSF-87
Additionally, the USSF-87 mission also deployed some research and development payloads. These will help improve the precision of orbital maneuvers and enhance the resilience of assets in GEO.
The Launch Vehicle
The 202-foot-tall (61-meter) rocket that launched this mission is the fourth of its kind. Previous missions include its debut in 2024, which unfortunately ended with a lunar lander crashing back to Earth after an anomaly occurred shortly after deployment. Despite this setback, the rocket flew again in 2024 and 2025, successfully completing its first national security mission in the latter year by sending an experimental navigation satellite to GEO.
The most recent mission employed the most potent version of the rocket to date, equipped with four solid rocket boosters strapped to the core stage. This variant will also be used in future USSF-87 missions.
Post-Launch Success
Following the successful flight, the rocket was certified for national security launches. This milestone means that there are now two providers approved to launch military and spy satellites, enhancing national security capabilities.