First SBSS Successfully Launches

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LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The U.S. Air Force successfully launched the first Space Based Space Surveillances spacecraft carried aboard a Minotaur IV launch vehicle at 9:41 p.m. PDT Sept. 25 from Space Launch Complex 8 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.

Once it has been designated as operational, the SBSS spacecraft will provide timely detection, collection, identification and tracking of man-made space objects from deep space to low-earth orbit.

"Our mission this evening was a tremendous success, said Col. J.R. Jordan, SBSS mission director. "After all of the long days and long hours that prepared us for this important event, the team performed flawlessly. Thanks to all for their hard work and dedication to mission success, always our number one priority. The team will now work to initialize the spacecraft and complete a comprehensive testing period before transitioning to full time operations early next year."

The SBSS space vehicle uses a highly agile, two-axis gimbal that points the visible sensor. The spacecraft's on-board mission data processor performs image processing to extract moving targets and reference star pixels to reduce the downlink data size.

The Minotaur IV utilizes three government-furnished solid rocket motors from decommissioned Peacekeeper ICBMs and a commercial solid rocket upper stage.

"The nominal launch of the Minotaur IV space launch vehicle did what it was designed to do, said Lt. Col. Kent Nickle, deputy mission director for the launch. As a representative of the Space Development and Test Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base, I am proud to be a part of such an important mission for space situational awareness. A well deserved congratulation goes out to the entire team for a mission well done."

The satellite is expected to be handed over to Air Force Space Command's 1st Space Operations Squadron approximately 210 days after launch.


Media representatives can submit questions for response or requests for interviews regarding this topic by sending an e-mail to: smcpa.media@losangeles.af.mil