First USSF WSF-M satellite reaches Operational Acceptance, advances Space-Based Environmental Monitoring

  • Published
  • By Space Operations Command Public Affairs
PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. --  The ML-1A Weather System Follow-on – Microwave (WSF-M) satellite was formally accepted by Space Operations Command (SpOC) today marking a major success for the next generation of modernized, space-based environmental monitoring (SBEM) systems.
 
The ML-1A, which will augment key capabilities of the legacy ML-62 Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, provides time-sensitive, combat-relevant environmental data for joint warfighters conducting mission planning and operations globally.
 
“Our nation depends on the ML-1A and the dedication of our military and civilian Guardians and Airmen who support this vital mission. They help ensure the United States Space Force does our part to achieve joint and national security objectives,” said Col. Raj Agrawal, commander of SpOC’s Mission Delta 2, the Space Force’s Mission Area Command for Space Domain Awareness. “The space professionals across Mission Delta 2 are proud to continue the tradition of generating combat power, which operates Space Domain Awareness systems including the DoD’s environmental monitoring satellites, with the first next-generation ML-1A satellite supporting warfighters across the globe. Many thanks to our SSC teammates and industry partners for enabling this smooth transition to operations.”
 
The ML-1A is part of the USSF’s pivot to hybrid architectures for weather monitoring capabilities designed to ensure that warfighters continue to retain critical informational advantage provided by accurate and timely weather data.
 
“The operational acceptance of the first WSF-M satellite is a pivotal moment in SSC’s history. It represents the Space Force’s focus on transitioning towards a more affordable, scalable, and resilient weather satellite constellation,” said Col. Robert Davis, program executive officer, SSC Space Sensing. “WSF-M pinpoints actionable weather data on a global scale 24/7 empowering our joint forces to plan strategically and respond swiftly, no matter the environmental conditions.”
 
The ML-1A space vehicle is capable of sensing, storing, and transmitting microwave raw sensor data proficiently. By accomplishing this, the ML-1A satellite fulfills three high-priority Department of Defense (DoD) SBEM capabilities by measuring ocean surface vector winds, tropical cyclone intensity, and low-earth orbit energetic charged particle characterization. Furthermore, the ML-1A will address three additional SBEM capabilities, including sea ice characterization, soil moisture, and snow depth.
 
The Naval Research Lab located at Blossom Point Tracking Facility, Maryland, is now operating the satellite, and all systems are performing normally.
 
“The performance of the first WSF-M satellite during on-orbit evaluations exceeded our expectations," said Col. Daniel Visosky, senior materiel leader for SSC's Space Sensing Environmental and Tactical Surveillance Acquisition Delta. "The calibration campaign went exceptionally smooth, allowing us to declare operational acceptance substantially faster than with our typical testing times."
 
The first ML-1A launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on April 11, 2024. Upon separation from the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the ML-1A reached its intended orbit and satellite operations personnel began checkout activities of its light shade, solar arrays, and antennas. Following these activities, the team tuned and calibrated the payload sensors ensuring the capability was ready for warfighter use.
 
__________________________________________
 
Space Operations Command is the U.S. Space Force’s service force provider, focused on generating combat-ready Space forces, sourcing and providing forces for service and combatant commands, and advocating for combat-ready space power from the future force to fielded forces.  SpOC encompasses eight distinct, but integrated mission and space deltas focused on Space Domain Awareness; Space Electromagnetic Warfare; Missile Warning and Tracking; Cyberspace Warfare; Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting; Satellite Communications; Orbital Warfare; and Navigational Warfare.
 
For questions and further information, please contact SpOC Media Operations at 719-554-3731 or e-mail spoc.pa.media@spaceforce.mil. Get the latest Space Operations Command news at https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil, on Facebook, or on LinkedIn.
 

 

United States Space Force

Official United States Space Force Website