The Air Force’s second geosynchronous (GEO-2) Space Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS) satellite successfully completed the integration of its two equipment panels onto the spacecraft core module earlier this month at the development site in Sunnyvale, Calif.
Over the last 34 days, the GEO-2 team executed the precise mechanical operations necessary for completion of panel integration. This included 134 connector mates between the equipment panels and spacecraft, according to the Air Force. The equipment panels are responsible for holding the individual electronics components that provide the satellite’s communications, attitude control, power distribution, commanding and payload data processing.
The Air Force said yesterday that the GEO-2 team will now proceed with preparations for Baseline Integrated System Test 2. BIST 2 is a series of tests that will provide a baseline of the fully integrated satellite’s characteristics prior to environmental testing. GEO-2 is scheduled for launch in 2012, according to Air Force Space Command.
GEO-1, meanwhile, is completing final integrated system testing in preparation for an April 2011 launch, Air Force officials have said.
SBIRS is the next generation early missile warning system replacing the legacy Defense Support Program satellite.