SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 3 (UPI) -- The second U.S. Air Force SBIRS missile warning satellite has undergone final systems tests by Lockheed Martin, the company reports.
The Final Integrated System Test verified the performance of the Space Based Infrared System geosynchronous satellite and is considered a milestone in readying the satellite for delivery to its launch site.
"The lessons learned from SBIRS GEO-1 have allowed the joint government and industry team to perform the assembly, integration and test of GEO-2 in a more efficient manner," said Lt. Col. Jonathon Whitney, GEO-2 Space Vehicle Integration and Launch Branch chief. "We are looking forward to delivering the satellite for launch."
"Leveraging the experience gained from GEO-1, we were able to streamline the GEO-2 test schedule and efficiently prepare this critical spacecraft for delivery," said Julie Pecson, Lockheed Martin's director of SBIRS Space Vehicle Product.
"We are focused on preparing this satellite for launch and driving even greater efficiency and affordability into building the next set of SBIRS satellites and hosted payloads."
SBIRS is designed to deliver enhanced missile warning as well as intelligence and battlespace awareness.
The second satellite is scheduled for launch this July.
In addition to production of four satellites and payloads, Lockheed al produces SBIRS ground assets for the receipt, processing and dissemination of data.
