After the successful launch of the Atlas V rocket carrying the sixth Defense Meteorological Satellite Program payload at 9:12 a.m. today from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., the 6th Space Operations Squadron assumes operational control for the existing on-orbit satellite system.
The 6th SOPS, an all Air Force Reserve unit out of Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., plays an integral part in the DMSP through augmenting the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Satellite Operations Facility by assuming the operational control of the current on-orbit, five-constellation system.
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