U.S. Space Force Launches BAE Systems' WSF-M Environmental Monitoring Satellite

BAE Systems launched the WSF-M satellite from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California today, representing an advancement in space-based environmental monitoring developed in collaboration with the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command.

The WSF-M satellite is equipped with a Microwave Imager (MWI) that will gather real-time data on ocean surface winds, tropical cyclone intensity, sea ice, soil moisture, and snow depth. Additionally, the satellite features a government-built Energetic Charged Particle (ECP) sensor designed to monitor space weather incidents.

BAE Systems was responsible for building the MWI and the satellite bus, as well as leading environmental and mission compatibility testing for the WSF-M mission. The company has also been contracted to build a second WSF-M satellite, expected to be completed by 2026.

WSF-M was launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket provided by SpaceX. BAE Systems collaborated with the Naval Research Laboratory's Blossom Point Tracking Facility (BPTF) on the development of the ground system for this satellite.

The WSF-M satellite will provide critical environmental intelligence to the Department of Defense.