The early-Friday launch of two spy satellites from the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) was a success, according to the U.S. Air Force.

  • 2 other GSSAP satellites are already orbiting the Earth
  • Next launch will see the first asteroid-sample return mission

Scheduled for a 12:37 a.m. launch, the two GSSAP satellites took off at 12:52 a.m. to join two other satellites in the program that are already orbiting above the Earth at 22,369 miles.

Launching from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket took the third and fourth satellites to their journey early Friday.

The U.S. Air Force explained a bit about the GSSSAP mission:

“Operated by Air Force Space Command, the GSSAP System provides precise data seven days a week, 24-hours a day. The satellites join a GSSAP constellation currently supporting U.S. Strategic Command space surveillance operations as a dedicated Space Surveillance Network sensor,” according the 45th Space Wing Public Affairs' press release.

The next launch is scheduled for Thursday Sept. 8, at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station of the first asteroid-sample return mission.