Lockheed Martin,
Sunnyvale CA: The Lockheed Martin team developing the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) has successfully delivered two key blocks of ground software integral to supporting the program's geosynchronous orbit (GEO) and highly elliptical orbit (HEO) constellation.
SBIRS is designed to provide early warning of missile launches, and simultaneously support other missions including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace characterization.
The first software block, known as GEO Early On-Orbit Test (GEOT-E) was delivered two months ahead of schedule from Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Global Services, Boulder, Colo., which builds and maintains the SBIRS ground segment, to Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., prime contractor for the SBIRS program. This software delivery will support integrated system testing of the first GEO satellite.
A separate software block for the HEO system was also delivered that will allow the team to conduct advanced system-level testing of the HEO space and ground elements, culminating in the HEO Message Certification milestone scheduled to be completed later this year. HEO certification will allow the system to be officially accepted by the user for operations.
“These software deliveries are important milestones for the SBIRS program and are essential to the success of this sophisticated program constellation, said Jeff Smith, Lockheed Martin's SBIRS vice president and GEO-1 program manager. “We look forward to our continued progress and the ultimate deployment of this integrated system that will provide unprecedented new surveillance capabilities to the warfighter.”
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., and Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Azusa, Calif., the payload integrator, are developing SBIRS for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.
Lockheed Martin is currently under contract to provide two HEO payloads and two GEO satellites, as well as ground-based assets to receive and process the infrared data. The Lockheed Martin team has delivered both HEO payloads and the first GEO satellite launch is scheduled for late 2009. The program is in the early stages of adding additional GEO spacecraft and HEO payloads to the planned constellation.
