Missile warning satellite final tests completed by Air Force and Lockheed Martin
NewsApril 03, 2012
LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, CALIF. Air Force and Lockheed Martin engineers finished final systems tests for the U.S. Air Force?s second Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous satellite (GEO-2). The Final Integrated System Test (FIST) confirmed the spacecraft's functionality and performance prior to launch site delivery.
Lockheed Martin officials say SBIRS GEO-2 is currently on schedule for launch as early as this summer. Air Force officials will determine an official launch date based on launch range and availability of boosters. Once a date is confirmed, Lockheed Martin engineers will make final spacecraft component installations and run a final factory confidence test before delivering the spacecraft to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., for the launch.
SBIRS provides enhanced missile warning capabilities for the U.S. while at the same time delivering aiding missile defense, providing technical intelligence as well as providing battlespace awareness mission areas.
The Air Force Infrared Space Systems Directorate leads the SBIRS team at the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Lockheed Martin functions as the SBIRS prime contractor, while payload integration is performed by Northrop Grumman experts. The is the Air Force Space command operates the SBIRS system.
