
The Air Force and United Launch Alliance (ULA) on Friday launched the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) GEO-3 satellite.Liftoff took place at 7:42 p.m. EST from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., on an Atlas V rocket. The satellite established communications with ground systems shortly after.SBIRS GEO-3 is equipped with powerful scanning and staring sensors that collect and transmit infrared surveillance information to ground stations. This information is used by the Pentagon to detect missile launches, support ballistic missile defense (BMD),…