By Marina Malenic
The launch of a new Air Force space surveillance satellite has been delayed due pending resolution of a test anomaly associated with another Minotaur IV launch vehicle undergoing factory testing, the service said this week.
The Space-Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) satellite had been scheduled for launch today from Vandenberg AFB, Calif. No new launch date has been set, but a spokesman for prime contractor Boeing [BA] said an announcement could come as early as next week.
In a July 6 press statement, Air Force officials said factory testing had identified “a software issue that is being assessed for implications to the SBSS mission.”
SBSS is designed to give the Air Force its first full-time, space-based surveillance of satellites and debris in Earth orbit. The service monitors about 1,000 active satellites and 20,000 pieces of space junk for possible collisions. Currently, the Air Force uses a system of ground-based telescopes and other equipment to perform the task.
The new satellite is expected to allow the Air Force to get a much better view of the debris, as well as other satellites. It is equipped with a camera mounted on a swivel to allow for better monitoring.