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As our readers know, we have been covering the Air Force’s Space Based Space Surveillance system (SBSS) for sometime now. And we are excited to announced that its much-delayed launch is set for July. What is SBSS you ask? It is a $425 million satellite equipped with a high-end 500-pound digital camera that can swivel and take photos of all the stuff in space. Why? Because space is a crowded place and the problem of debris crashing — as well as satellites crashing into each other — into functioning satellites is a big issue. What is cool about the SBSS is that it will determine objects’ orbital paths and calculate the chances of collisions several days in advance. Air traffic control for satellites — looks like it will finally become a reality.

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Welcome to the Monday Morning News Kick Off post from got geoint? As always, we hope you had a restful weekend with family and friends. Sometimes its easy to get lulled into a sense of relaxation on the weekends during these early summer months. But, fret not Monday mornings always come around — and we all need to be on top of our game. As such, we have compiled all of the actionable news you need to kick start your work week. So, as we always say, fire up that second cup of coffee and read on. And, just remember, your summer vacation down at the beach is just weeks away. Happy Monday!

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For more than 10 years, the Air Force has been quietly working on the development of a robotic spacecraft called the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (pictured), which resembles a small space shuttle. And, this month, it will officially be launched into space. Very cool stuff, but many are asking: what is the purpose of this robotic spacecraft and this first mission? The Air Force released only a general description of the mission objectives: testing of guidance, navigation, control, thermal protection and autonomous operation in orbit, re-entry and landing. And, many believe that it’s purpose is unclear because it has taken a decade to ready it for launch, and there were too many “cooks in the kitchen” when it came to developing it. Peter A. Wilson, a senior defense research analyst for the RAND Corp., had this to say to the AP: “From my perspective it’s a little puzzling as to whether this is the beginning of a program or the end of one.” Read more from the AP here.

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Former GEOINT keynote speaker Gen. Robert Kehler, U.S. Air Force, Commander, Air Force Space Command, recently sat down with Defense Systems magazine to discuss the challenges of defending cyberspace, Global Positioning System capabilities and space assets. As many of our reader know, he oversees Air Force network and cyberspace operations; manages a global network of satellite command-and-control, communications, missile warning and launch facilities; ensures the combat readiness of the United States’ intercontinental ballistic missile force; and is responsible for space system development and acquisition. He leads more than 43,000 personnel who are assigned to 86 locations worldwide. Check out the full Q&A here.

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Space is a crowded place. Did you know that the Air Force tracks more than 18,000 objects in our orbit? And, the Feb 11 collision of an Iridium communications satellite with a Russian military satellite only underscores just how crowded it is up there. To deal with all of this space traffic and debris floating around, the Air Force has launched its Space Based Space Surveillance system (SBSS), which is a $425 million satellite equipped with a high-end 500-pound digital camera that can swivel and take photos of all the stuff in space.

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We were honored that General C. Robert “Bob” Kehler, U.S. Air Force, Commander, Air Force Space Command, sat down with us and a number of other media outlets after his keynote speech at GEOINT 2008. One potentially game-changing vision he touted and discussed with us was the option of building a separate space platform for intelligence and one for the warfighter and integrating both on the ground.

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