CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., March 18 (UPI) -- A second U.S. Air Force SBIRS Geosynchronous Earth Orbit satellite built by Lockheed Martin is set for launch Tuesday from Florida.
The launch will be conducted from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
"We understand the important role SBIRS plays in our national security architecture and the entire SBIRS team has worked tirelessly to prepare this satellite for a successful launch," said Jeff Smith, Lockheed Martin's vice president of Overhead Persistent Infrared mission area.
"The dedication and talent of this SBIRS team is remarkable and we are keenly focused on delivering mission success for the warfigher."
The Space Based Infrared System GEO, when placed in high elliptical orbit, provides enhanced capability for detecting hostile missile launches as well as technical intelligence and battlespace awareness. The satellite's sensor pointing accuracy is nine times more precise than required; its sensors can detect targets 25 percent dimmer than required.
Lockheed Martin is on contract is on contract to build a total of four SIBR GEO satellites and payloads. The company is obtaining long-lead parts for additional satellites.
