The Air Force successfully launched the first Space Based Infrared System geosynchronous satellite aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle on May 7 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
“This launch success represents years of dedication and hard work by a broad team of government and industry professionals,” Col. Roger Teague, the SBIRS program manager, said in a press statement following the launch. “We look forward to GEO-1 soon joining our constellation of overhead persistent infrared satellites and providing critical national security space capabilities.”
Spacecraft separation from the booster occurred approximately 43 minutes after launch, according to the Air Force. Following separation, the spacecraft began a series of orbit maneuvers to propel it to geosynchronous orbit. Once on-orbit, engineers will deploy the satellite’s solar arrays and antennas, then complete checkout and tests in preparation for operational use.
The launch featured an Atlas V 401 configured rocket, which was the 26th launch of the Atlas V. The 401 configuration consists of a 4-meter payload fairing and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. The Atlas V is one of the two rockets developed as part of the United States Air Force’s EELV program.
GEO-1 is expected to provide missile warning, missile defense, battlefield awareness and technical intelligence products to military and other national security officials.