Space Operations Command, or SpOC, officially accepted on Thursday the ML-1A Weather System Follow-on – Microwave, or WSF-M, satellite, marking an apparent milestone in delivering modernized space-based environmental monitoring, or SBEM, systems.
SpOC said Thursday the Space Force’s ML-1A satellite delivers combat-relevant environmental data to joint warfighters performing mission planning and operations worldwide.
“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 for space sensing at Space Systems Command.
“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,” added Davis.
The Naval Research Lab at Blossom Point Tracking Facility in Maryland is operating the spacecraft.
What Is ML-1A?
ML-1A is the first WSF-M satellite that launched on April 11 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
The space vehicle will augment the key capabilities of the ML-62 Defense Meteorological Satellite Program and is designed to sense, store and transmit microwave raw sensor data to support the Department of Defense’s three high-priority SBEM capabilities by measuring ocean surface vector winds, tropical low-earth orbit energetic charged particle characterization and cyclone intensity. The satellite will also address three more SBEM capabilities: sea ice characterization, snow depth and soil moisture.
The satellite is part of the Space Force’s pivot to hybrid architectures to facilitate weather monitoring to ensure that warfighters maintain critical informational advantage.
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