Space Systems Command’s Weather System Follow-on – Microwave (WSF-M) satellite has been formally accepted and declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) by Space Operations Command (SpOC).
SSC launched WSF-M (Space Vehicle -1) last year and since then, the satellite has gone through numerous operational testing to validate data quality, ground support and mission data processing capability by USSF centralized weather support units, various military services, government and allied organizations. With the recent completion of its operational trial period, the satellite has completed all requirements for the Operational Acceptance and SpOC has declared IOC for the satellite. The data gathered by WSF-M will be provided to meteorologists in support of the generation of a wide variety of weather products necessary to conduct military mission planning and operations.
“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,” said Col. Robert Davis, program executive officer, SSC Space Sensing.
WSF-M is part of the USSF’s pivot to hybrid architectures for weather monitoring capabilities designed to ensure that warfighters continue to retain the critical informational advantage provided by accurate and timely weather data.
“The operational acceptance of the WSF-M satellite is a pivotal milestone in the Space Force’s focus on transitioning towards a more affordable, scalable, and resilient weather satellite constellation,” noted Davis.
SSC’s Environmental and Tactical Surveillance Acquisition Delta leads the development of space-based environmental monitoring capabilities for the Department of Defense, augmenting key capabilities of the legacy Defense Meteorological Satellite Program.
“The performance of the first WSF-M satellite during on-orbit evaluations exceeded our expectations,” said Col. Daniel Visosky, SSC senior materiel leader. “The calibration campaign was exceptionally smooth, allowing us to declare operational acceptance even faster than we expected.”
WSF-M fulfills three high-priority Department of Defense (DoD) SBEM capabilities by measuring ocean surface vector winds, tropical cyclone intensity, and energetic charged particle characterization in low Earth orbit. Additionally, WSF-M will provide data on sea ice characterization, soil moisture, and snow depth.
“Our nation depends on the ML-1A [WSF-M’s official nomenclature] 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.”
WSF-M launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on April 11, 2024. Upon separation from the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle, WSF-M 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 and readied them for warfighter use.
Space Systems Command is the U.S. Space Force’s field command responsible for acquiring, developing, and delivering resilient capabilities to protect our nation’s strategic advantage in, from, and to space. SSC manages a $15.6 billion space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense and works in partnership with joint forces, industry, government agencies, academic and allied organizations to outpace emerging threats. Our actions today are making the world a better space for tomorrow.
