# GSSAP-5

> American near-geosynchronous space surveillance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q113633507](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113633507)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gssap-5

## Summary
GSSAP-5 is an American military satellite designed for near-geosynchronous space surveillance. Launched in January 2022, it plays a critical role in monitoring objects and activities in geosynchronous orbit to support national security.

## Key Facts
- Official designation: GSSAP-5, also known as USA-324 and Hornet 5  
- Mission: Space surveillance in near-geosynchronous orbit  
- Launch date: January 21, 2022 at 19:00 UTC  
- Launch site: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41  
- Launch vehicle: Atlas V 511 (flight AV-084)  
- Operator: Combat Forces Command (per official documentation)  
- Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman Space Systems  
- Satellite bus: GEOStar-1  
- Orbit: Geosynchronous orbit  
- Country of origin: United States  
- COSPAR ID: 2022-006A  
- SCN: 51280  

## FAQs
### Q: What is GSSAP-5 used for?
A: GSSAP-5 is used for space surveillance, specifically tracking and monitoring objects in geosynchronous orbit to enhance situational awareness for national security purposes.

### Q: When was GSSAP-5 launched?
A: GSSAP-5 was launched on January 21, 2022, at 19:00 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41.

### Q: Who operates GSSAP-5?
A: GSSAP-5 is operated by the Combat Forces Command, according to official documentation referenced from aerospace and defense sources.

## Why It Matters
GSSAP-5 contributes to the United States' strategic space capabilities by enhancing domain awareness in the increasingly congested geosynchronous orbital regime. As part of the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP), it supports the detection, tracking, and identification of potential threats or anomalies in space. Its operational success aids in safeguarding U.S. and allied assets, ensuring freedom of action in space while deterring hostile activities. The program underscores the growing importance of space-based intelligence and surveillance in modern military operations.

## Notable For
- Part of the classified but publicly acknowledged GSSAP constellation  
- Uses the reliable GEOStar-1 spacecraft bus developed by Northrop Grumman  
- Launched using the Atlas V 511, a versatile and high-success-rate launch vehicle  
- Operated under the oversight of the U.S. military's Combat Forces Command  
- Equipped with dual solar arrays for sustained power generation in geosynchronous orbit  

## Body
### Overview
GSSAP-5 is a military satellite belonging to the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP), a system designed to monitor activity in geosynchronous orbit. The satellite enhances the U.S. Space Force’s ability to detect and track other satellites and debris, contributing to overall space domain awareness.

### Development and Construction
- Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman Space Systems  
- Spacecraft bus: GEOStar-1  
- Power system: Two spacecraft solar arrays  

The GEOStar-1 bus provides a modular and scalable platform suitable for missions requiring long-term stationkeeping and precise pointing—both essential for surveillance tasks in geosynchronous orbit.

### Launch Details
- Launch date: January 21, 2022  
- Launch time: 19:00 UTC  
- Launch site: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41  
- Launch vehicle: Atlas V 511 (flight number AV-084)  

This launch marked another successful deployment in the ongoing GSSAP program, continuing the U.S. military’s expansion of its space-based monitoring infrastructure.

### Operational Role
- Mission type: Space surveillance  
- Orbit: Geosynchronous  
- Operator: Combat Forces Command  

GSSAP-5 works alongside other satellites in its series (including GSSAP-4 and GSSAP-6) to maintain continuous coverage and tracking capability across key orbital slots.

### Technical Identifiers
- Alternate names: USA-324, Hornet 5  
- COSPAR ID: 2022-006A  
- NSSDCA ID: 2022-006A  
- SCN: 51280  

These identifiers are used in databases maintained by organizations such as the National Space Science Data Center and international tracking networks.

### Position in Series
- Precedes: GSSAP-4  
- Followed by: GSSAP-6  

Each satellite in the GSSAP series builds upon previous designs and operational experience, improving responsiveness and resolution in space situational awareness.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "GSSAP-5",
  "description": "American near-geosynchronous space surveillance satellite",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367"
  ],
  "additionalType": "Military Satellite"
}

## 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