News

US Air Force readies SBIRS GEO Flight-4 satellite for launch

The fourth US Air Force Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite to be built by Lockheed Martin has now been encapsulated.

Completion of this final milestone means that the SBIRS GEO Flight-4 satellite will meet its planned January 18th launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, propelled by a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

The encapsulation required the SBIRS GEO Flight-4 to be sealed inside its launch fairing – an aerodynamic outer layer which protects the satellite during lift-off. With the satellite safety housed within, the fairing will now be mounted atop the Atlas V rocket in preparation for launch.

SBIRS GEO Flight-4 is the latest satellite to join the US Air Force’s growing complement of equipment furnished with powerful scanning and infrared surveillance sensors. These sensors will gather data for the US military, helping to detect missile launches, support ballistic missile defence, expand technical intelligence gathering and bolster situational awareness across the battlefield.

A SBIRS ground control system will also serve as the neural hub for the entire satellite constellation, receiving large amounts of data from the powerful sensors. This data will be converted into actionable reports by SBIRS operators for defence, intelligence and civil use.

“SBIRS provides our military with timely, reliable and accurate missile warning and infrared surveillance information,” commented Tom McCormick, Vice President of Lockheed Martin’s Overhead Persistent Infrared systems mission area. “We look forward to adding GEO Flight-4’s capabilities to the first line of defence in our nation’s missile defence strategy.”

Lockheed Martin manufactured the SBIRS GEO Flight-4 satellite at its Sunnyvale, California, facility. The satellite was delivered to Florida on 31st October 2017.

If you would like to join our community and read more articles like this then please click here.

The post US Air Force readies SBIRS GEO Flight-4 satellite for launch appeared first on Defence Online.

 

Who are we?

From publishing the first national directory of public sector contracts, to being the first to market with our online Tracker solution, we have been the true pioneers of technology and innovation in the public sector marketplace. Throughout our 39 years, we have continued to evolve and chart new territory – placing our customers at the heart of everything we do. Take your business to the next level with Tracker now.

If you request a demo today!

Download your Free UK Defence Industry Report

Start Your Free Trial Today

Download your Free UK Defence Industry Report

Download your Free UK Defence Industry Report

When you sign up for a 3 day free trial or demo.

Limited time only

    BiP Solutions owns DCI and we look after your details carefully. We offer a range of products, services and events (some of which are free) that help buyers tender more efficiently and suppliers find, bid for and win public and private sector contracts. Only tick this box if you wish to receive information about these. We will never share your details with third parties and you will have the opportunity of opting out of communications every time we contact you. For further details, please see our Privacy Policy