About the Program

The Space Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) satellite is a critical space-based sensor in the U.S. Air Force Space Surveillance Network with the ability to detect and track space objects, spacecraft or other distant space objects without interference from weather, atmosphere or time of day.

Managed by the Space and Missile Systems Center, SBSS is an essential element in achieving full a Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capability.

Ball Aerospace’s Role

Ball Aerospace, a member of the Boeing SBSS team, was responsible for the development, manufacturing, integration, performance validation and delivery of the entire space segment. Ball Aerospace’s agile gimbaled visible sensor allows for highly accurate determination of space objects; with increased capacity and improved timeliness, sensitivity and overall flexibility.

With a solid history of success in focal plane engineering, star trackers, and control and image processing electronics, Ball Aerospace is providing a high performance satellite while demonstrating its capabilities in providing the DoD with mission assurance on larger, future missions.

SBSS launched Sept. 25, 2010 with an expected orbital life of at least five-and-a-half years.