# GSSAP-3

> American near-geosynchronous space surveillance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q28668993](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28668993)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gssap-3

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **GSSAP-3**:

---

## Summary  
GSSAP-3 is an American military satellite designed for near-geosynchronous space surveillance. Launched in 2016, it is part of the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) and operated by the U.S. Combat Forces Command. Its primary mission is to monitor objects in geosynchronous orbit for space domain awareness.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: August 19, 2016, at 04:52 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37B.  
- **Operator**: U.S. Combat Forces Command.  
- **Manufacturer**: Orbital ATK (now Northrop Grumman).  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta IV Medium+(4,2) (serial number D-375/D4-33).  
- **Orbit**: Near-geosynchronous orbit for space surveillance.  
- **Spacecraft Bus**: GEOStar-1.  
- **Power Source**: Equipped with 2 solar arrays.  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2016-052A.  
- **Preceded by**: GSSAP-2; **Succeeded by**: GSSAP-4.  
- **Aliases**: Hornet 3, USA-270.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is the purpose of GSSAP-3?  
A: GSSAP-3 conducts space surveillance to monitor and track objects in geosynchronous orbit, enhancing U.S. space domain awareness and military situational awareness.  

### Q: Who operates GSSAP-3?  
A: It is operated by the U.S. Combat Forces Command as part of the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program.  

### Q: What launch vehicle was used for GSSAP-3?  
A: It was launched aboard a Delta IV Medium+(4,2) rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37B.  

## Why It Matters  
GSSAP-3 plays a critical role in U.S. national security by providing real-time monitoring of objects in geosynchronous orbit, where many military and commercial satellites operate. Its surveillance capabilities help detect potential threats, such as adversarial satellites or space debris, ensuring the safety and sustainability of critical space assets. The program underscores the growing importance of space situational awareness in modern warfare and global communications.  

## Notable For  
- Part of the first dedicated U.S. military program for geosynchronous space surveillance.  
- Built on the GEOStar-1 spacecraft bus by Orbital ATK.  
- Achieved initial operating capability on September 12, 2017.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- Launched on August 19, 2016, aboard a Delta IV Medium+(4,2) rocket.  
- Reached initial operating capability by September 2017.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Spacecraft Bus**: GEOStar-1.  
- **Power System**: Two solar arrays.  
- **Orbit**: Near-geosynchronous (~35,786 km altitude).  

### Mission Role  
- Conducts proximity operations to inspect other satellites.  
- Provides data for space traffic management and collision avoidance.  

### Program Context  
- Part of the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP).  
- Follows GSSAP-2 and precedes GSSAP-4 in the satellite series.  

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "GSSAP-3",
  "description": "American near-geosynchronous space surveillance satellite",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367"],
  "additionalType": "Military Satellite"
}
```

--- 

This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/gssap-1.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.airforcemag.com/weapons-platforms/gssap/)
3. Jonathan's Space Report