GSSAP 1, ..., 10 (Hornet 1, ..., 10)

GSSAP (Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program) or Hornet is a series of space surveillance satellites developed covertly by the Air Force and Orbital Sciences to provide a space-based capability operating in the near-geosynchronous orbit regime supporting U.S. Strategic Command space surveillance operations as a dedicated Space Surveillance Network (SSN) sensor.

Accourding to USAF officials, the GSSAP satellites will drift above and below the GEO belt, using electro-optical sensors to collect information on satellites and other objects in that region. The satellites are maneuverable, allowing them to collect intelligence on specific target satellites. GSSAP provides �accurate tracking and characterization� of satellites.

The first pair of GSSAP spacecraft was launched in 2014 from Cape Canaveral on board of a Delta-4M+(4,2) rocket with another pair following in 2016. A third pair was launched in 2020. A fourth pair has been ordered in 2023.

Launch Sites:

• CC =   Cape Canaveral Space Force Station / Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Eastern Test Range, Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA   👁 USA
  

References:

• Air Force Space Command: Fact Sheets - Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP)
• Amy Butler in Aviation Week: USAF Space Chief Outs Classified Spy Sat Program, 20 February 2014

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