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

Launch set for US satellite to monitor space junk

SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — 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.