First Satellite In Stationary Orbit To Be Tasked With Missile
Detection
The U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin have delivered the first
geosynchronous (GEO-1) Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS)
spacecraft to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL, where it will
be prepared for an early May liftoff aboard a United Launch
Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle.
SBIRS Clean Room
SBIRS GEO-1, with its highly sophisticated scanning and staring
sensors, will provide the nation with significantly improved
missile warning capabilities and support other critical missions
simultaneously including missile defense, technical intelligence
and battlespace 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. We remain focused on achieving
mission success for this critical program,” said Col. Roger
Teague, the U.S. Air Force’s Infrared Space Systems
Directorate director. “GEO-1 will play a vital role in our
national security space architecture, and we look forward to
getting this satellite on-orbit.”
SBIRS Being Loaded
SBIRS GEO-1 will now be prepared
for launch at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s former
Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) Processing Facility,
which was upgraded significantly in preparation for GEO-1. Facility
upgrades were made to the electrical power supply, communication
networks, environmental control systems, and cleanroom processing
areas. A new access road was also built from the landing strip
directly to the processing facility, which significantly reduces
transport time and risk moving through traffic areas.
Prior to launch, the GEO-1 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 V launch vehicle and
perform final integrated testing and closeout preparations for
launch. Approximately 24 hours before launch, the Atlas V/SBIRS
GEO-1 spacecraft will roll to the launch pad and perform the final
countdown preparations for launch.
SBIRS Unloaded At Cape Canaveral
“GEO-1 delivery to Cape Canaveral
Air Force Station represents the program’s most significant
milestone to-date and I am proud of the entire SBIRS team dedicated
to delivering this cutting edge missile warning spacecraft,”
said Jeff Smith, Lockheed Martin’s SBIRS vice president and
program director. “When GEO-1 is launched , declared
operational and its data is fused into the DSP and HEO
constellation, SBIRS will deliver unprecedented, global,
persistent, infrared surveillance capabilities to our nation for
decades to come.”
The 22nd Airlift Squadron of Travis Air Force Base, CA, and the
129th Rescue Wing of Mountain View, CA, provided critical support
of the delivery of SBIRS GEO-1. The U.S. Air Force C-5 crew,
commanded by Major Brad Silver, ensured GEO-1 was transported
safely and efficiently to the launch site, and worked with the
SBIRS government and industry team throughout the mission to
monitor the payload and ensure its safe delivery. The 129th Rescue
Wing, Security Forces Squadron secured the entire operation at
Moffet Air Field prior to departure.