Blossom Point Satellite Tracking and Command Station

 military, research, United States Navy, satellite/space tracking station

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This location provides horizon to horizon look angles and an interference free, low noise environment. To prevent interference with the sensitive satellite antenna radio receivers, the Blossom Point Field Site is protected by a 2000-ft-radius buffer zone. The Blossom Point Field Site provides simultaneous tracking and data acquisition, health and status monitoring, and command and control for Naval Research Laboratory and Navy satellites. The site participates in the development of space systems, both satellite and ground elements, to support Navy mission requirements.

Blossom Point was the first of many US space tracking stations, created in 1956 as the prototype of the MINITRACK system intended to track the CIA/NRL Vanguard satellites. In October 1957 the Vanguard receivers were quickly modified to track Sputnik I.

www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/blossom-point....