SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 8 (UPI) -- A U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin team has delivered a first-of-its-kind missile warning spacecraft to Florida for launch aboard an Atlas rocket.
Once in orbit, the first geosynchronous Space Based Infrared System will give the United States significantly improved missile warning capabilities and support other critical missions, including missile defense, technical intelligence and awareness.
"Shipment of SBIRS GEO-1 is a testament to the strong government and industry partnership, and the hard work and dedication of the entire SBIRS team," said Col. Roger Teague, the U.S. Air Force's Infrared Space Systems Directorate director. "We remain focused on achieving mission success for this critical program."
SBIRS GEO-1 will now be prepared for launch at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's former Defense Satellite Communications System Processing Facility.
Before launch in May, the spacecraft will undergo post shipment testing, fueling and payload fairing encapsulation while in the DSCS Processing Facility. Upon completion of processing, the spacecraft will be mated on top of the Atlas launch vehicle and perform final integrated testing and closeout preparations for launch.
The SBIRS team is led by the Infrared Space Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Lockheed Martin is the SBIRS prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman, as the payload integrator. Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.
