Launch now set for Saturday for US satellite that will monitor clutter in Earth orbit

Published January 08, 2015

A satellite that will monitor the clutter in Earth orbit is scheduled to launch Saturday, nearly three months later than originally planned.

The Space-Based Space Surveillance satellite was scheduled to launch on July 8, but it was grounded by concerns about software in the Minotaur IV rocket and a problem in the rocket's electronics.

Officials said there were no problems in the satellite itself.

It's designed to give the Air Force its first full-time, space-based surveillance of satellites and debris in Earth's orbit. It monitors them for possible collisions.

Launch will be at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. A command center at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., will oversee day-to-day operations once in orbit.

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https://www.foxnews.com/us/launch-now-set-for-saturday-for-us-satellite-that-will-monitor-clutter-in-earth-orbit