By Marina Malenic
The Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) has successfully completed a Final Integrated System Test of the first geosynchronous (GEO-1) satellite, verifying the spacecraft’s performance and functionality in preparation for delivery to the launch site, prime contractor Lockheed Martin [LMT] said yesterday.
Having also completed all system environmental testing, SBIRS GEO-1 is on track to meet its scheduled spring 2011 launch aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
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, the Air Force’s program manager has said (Defense Daily, July 6.)
SBIRS Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) payloads have already been launched aboard classified satellites and are meeting or exceeding performance requirements, according to Lockheed Martin.
“The joint government/industry team has made tremendous progress and demonstrated exceptional commitment in preparing the first SBIRS GEO spacecraft for launch,” said Col. Roger Teague, the Air Force’s SBIRS Wing Commander and program manager.
The SBIRS team must still complete final space-to-ground interface system testing, perform final spacecraft component installations and conduct a final factory confidence test before launch, according to Lockheed Martin. Qualification of the satellite’s flight software is also progressing. The team recently completed all 138 Engineering Dry Runs and is on track to complete the spacecraft’s comprehensive flight software qualification testing program early next year.
Northrop Grumman [NOC] is the SBIRS payload integrator, and Air Force Space Command is the operator.
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.
This fall, GEO-2 completed integration of its two equipment panels onto the spacecraft core module (Defense Daily, Oct. 21). GEO-2 is scheduled for launch in 2012, according to Air Force Space Command.
The Air Force has launched two SBIRS sensors on classified satellites, but the service is behind schedule on plans to launch a geosynchronous constellation, starting with GEO-1 and GEO-2. GEO-1 is expected be available for operational use about 14 months following launch. GEO-2’s availability is projected at six months after launch, according to Air Force fact sheets on the program.