Northrop space inertial reference system for SBIRS satellite

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., April 29 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force's sixth Space Based Infrared System satellite is to feature a space inertial reference system from Northrop Grumman.

Northrop's Scalable Space Inertial Reference Unit is for sensor pointing and stabilization, as well as attitude control, on the SBIRS Geosynchronous Earth Orbit satellites, which deliver early warning of ballistic missile launches, missile defense information, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness.

The unit is being provided under a contract from Lockheed Martin.

"Northrop Grumman has been steadfast in providing Lockheed Martin with crucial components on SBIRS," said David Sheridan, Lockheed Martin vice president and SBIRS program director. "Our team is assuring that SBIRS production will continue to yield vital capabilities for the Air Force's early warning missions."

"This award reflects our continuing dedication to providing products that uphold the highest reliability and performance standards," said Bob Mehltretter, vice president, Navigation and Positioning Systems, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems. "We look forward to providing this strategic advantage on SBIRS."

Northrop Grumman's Scalable SIRU navigation system utilizes a hemispherical resonator gyro, which has been used in space without a mission failure for more than 30 million operating hours. NASA's MESSENGER mission to orbit Mercury and its Global Precipitation Measurement mission employed the system, the company said. The system is also aboard earlier SBIRS GEO satellites, which are manufactured by Lockheed Martin.