The U.S. Space Force is set to bolster its space monitoring capabilities with the launch of two new surveillance satellites aboard a Vulcan Centaur rocket early Thursday, February 12th. The mission, dubbed USSF-87, will deploy the latest additions to the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP), providing critical real-time monitoring of activity in geostationary orbit (GEO). 🚀
The Importance of GEO Surveillance
GEO, situated 22,236 miles above Earth, is a prime location for weather, communications, and reconnaissance satellites. The unique orbital characteristics of GEO allow satellites to remain positioned over the same geographic area, making it a strategic but increasingly congested space domain. The GSSAP satellites act as an early warning system, tracking movements and potential hazards in this critical region. 🛰️
The Space Force describes GSSAP as a “neighborhood watch” for space, enhancing flight safety by providing precise data on satellite positioning and potential collision risks. The ability to predict orbital trajectories accurately is paramount, especially given the growing number of satellites and space debris in GEO. Without reliable monitoring, the risk of collisions—which could disable or destroy critical infrastructure—increases dramatically. ⚠️
Vulcan Centaur: A New Era of U.S. Space Launch
The USSF-87 mission marks the fourth flight of the Vulcan Centaur rocket, developed by United Launch Alliance (ULA) as a successor to the Atlas V. This launch utilizes the VC4S configuration, equipped with four solid rocket boosters for increased performance. The Vulcan has undergone rigorous testing, including a previous national security mission in August 2025, and has now been fully certified by the Space Force for sensitive payloads. This certification is significant; it establishes ULA as a second qualified launch provider for military and intelligence satellites, alongside SpaceX.
Previously, ULA’s Vulcan experienced minor issues in its debut launch in January 2024, with a lunar lander suffering an anomaly post-deployment. However, subsequent flights, including the August 2025 mission, have demonstrated the rocket’s reliability and capability.
What This Means for Space Security
The deployment of these advanced GSSAP satellites underscores the U.S. military’s commitment to maintaining situational awareness in space. The mission is not just about tracking potential threats; it’s about ensuring the long-term sustainability of space operations for all nations. By providing better data on orbital movements, the USSF hopes to reduce risks, improve collision avoidance, and foster a more secure space environment. 🛡️
The success of USSF-87 and the continued development of the Vulcan Centaur signal a new phase in U.S. space capabilities, further solidifying its position as a key player in the evolving space domain.
