Ball Aerospace Ships Space Systems Command Operational Weather Satellite for Launch

Rhea-AI Summary

Ball Aerospace shipped the Weather System Follow-on – Microwave (WSF-M) satellite to Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The satellite will improve space-based environmental monitoring capabilities for the Department of Defense, capturing real-time data on sea ice, surface winds, tropical cyclone intensity, snow depth, and soil moisture. Ball Aerospace was also responsible for designing, building, and integrating the spacecraft bus and ground data processing software. The company was awarded a follow-on contract to build and deliver a second WSF-M satellite in 2022, to be completed in 2026.

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Feb. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ball Aerospace successfully shipped the Weather System Follow-on – Microwave (WSF-M) satellite to Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California last week. The satellite is the first of two that Ball Aerospace will deliver for the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command next-generation operational environmental satellite system.

The satellite is scheduled to launch in late March aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Once in orbit, WSF-M will dramatically improve space-based environmental monitoring capabilities for the Department of Defense, utilizing a Ball-built Microwave Imager (MWI) to capture real-time data on sea ice and surface winds, tropical cyclone intensity, snow depth, soil moisture and more.

"The WSF-M satellite will provide a new level of environmental intelligence for our nation's military across all domains," said Thai Sheridan, vice president & general manager, Military Space, Ball Aerospace. "We're proud of our role in this critical mission to support the safety of our warfighters and the success of their crucial operations around the world."

In addition to the MWI, Ball Aerospace was responsible for designing, building and integrating the spacecraft bus and ground data processing software. The satellite also features a government-built Energetic Charged Particle (ECP) sensor that will provide space weather measurements.

In 2022, Ball Aerospace was awarded a follow-on contract to build and deliver a second WSF-M satellite, which will be completed in 2026.

Visit the Ball Aerospace blog to view additional photos and video of the shipping process.

Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, Ball Aerospace pioneers discoveries that enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most. We create innovative space solutions, enable more accurate weather forecasts, drive insightful observations of our planet, deliver actionable data and intelligence, and ensure those who defend our freedom go forward bravely and return home safely. Go Beyond with Ball.® For more information, visit www.ball.com/aerospace or connect with us on Facebook or X.

About Ball Corporation
Ball Corporation (NYSE: BALL) supplies innovative, sustainable aluminum packaging solutions for beverage, personal care and household products customers, as well as aerospace and other technologies and services primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ 21,000 people worldwide and reported 2023 net sales of $14.03 billion. For more information, visit www.ball.com, or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.

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SOURCE Ball Aerospace

FAQ

When was the WSF-M satellite shipped to Vandenberg Space Force Base?

The WSF-M satellite was shipped to Vandenberg Space Force Base last week.

What will the WSF-M satellite improve?

The WSF-M satellite will improve space-based environmental monitoring capabilities for the Department of Defense.

What kind of data will the Ball-built Microwave Imager (MWI) capture?

The Ball-built Microwave Imager (MWI) will capture real-time data on sea ice and surface winds, tropical cyclone intensity, snow depth, soil moisture, and more.

What was Ball Aerospace responsible for in the WSF-M satellite project?

Ball Aerospace was responsible for designing, building, and integrating the spacecraft bus and ground data processing software.

When was Ball Aerospace awarded a follow-on contract for a second WSF-M satellite?

Ball Aerospace was awarded a follow-on contract for a second WSF-M satellite in 2022.