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.
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“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.