The United States Air Force is currently prepping the first geosynchronous (GEO-1) Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) satellite for an early May launch from Cape Canaveral Station.
Designed by Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and the USAF, the SBIRS GEO-1 will provide the military with significantly improved missile warning capabilities.
SBIRS is also expect to support other critical missions simultaneously, including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness.
“We remain focused on achieving mission success for this critical program,” explained Col. Roger Teague, the U.S. Air Force’s Infrared Space Systems Directorate director.
“GEO-1 will play a vital role in our national security space architecture, and we look forward to getting this satellite on-orbit.”
Prior to launch, the GEO-1 spacecraft will undergo post shipment testing, fueling and payload fairing encapsulation.
Upon completion of processing, the spacecraft will be mated on top of the Atlas V launch vehicle, as final integrated testing and closeout preparations are performed.
