The Air Force has finished final installations on the first geosynchronous (GEO-1) satellite of a new early missile warning system and successfully completed the spacecraft’s last factory confidence test before delivery to the launch site.
Final installations on the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) GEO-1 satellite included the spacecraft’s deployable light shade, solar arrays, thermal blankets, and flight batteries, according to prime contractor Lockheed Martin [LMT]. The fully integrated spacecraft successfully passed its final factory confidence test, the last major milestone in preparation for delivery to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., for a planned May 2011 launch aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle.
“SBIRS GEO-1 will usher in a new era of critical missile warning capabilities vital to our national security,” Col. Roger Teague, head of the Air Force’s Infrared Space Systems Directorate, said in a statement released recently.
As SBIRS GEO-1 prepares for shipment, the spacecraft’s flight software will complete its final qualification testing, and the ground segment team will conduct final readiness exercises in preparation to support launch and operations.
Last month, the Air Force and Lockheed Martin demonstrated the capability to transmit data between the spacecraft and flight control facilities and the ability of the integrated ground and space system to perform critical operations.
SBIRS is the next-generation U.S. early missile warning system. It is expected to replace the legacy Defense Support Program satellite. SBIRS has both scanning and staring sensors and is expected to provide new tactical support capabilities in addition to its strategic mission.
SBIRS Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) payloads have already been launched aboard classified satellites.
Lockheed Martin’s original SBIRS contract includes HEO payloads, two GEO satellites, as well as ground-based assets to receive and process the infrared data. The company is also under a follow-on production contract to deliver additional HEO payloads, third and fourth GEO satellites and associated ground modifications.
Last year, GEO-2 completed integration of its two equipment panels onto the spacecraft core module. GEO-2 is scheduled for launch in 2012, according to Air Force Space Command.
Northrop Grumman [NOC] is the SBIRS payload integrator, and Air Force Space Command is the operator.