Lockheed Martin,
Sunnyvale CA: Lockheed Martin said Monday it has delivered a critical payload subsystem and associated software integral to the U.S. military's Space-Based Infrared System's first geosynchronous orbit satellite.
The SBIRS satellite array, consisting of scanning and staring sensors, is designed to provide significantly improved missile-warning capabilities and support other missions simultaneously, including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace characterization.
LM said in a statement the software will provide effective control and testing of the spacecraft's Pointing and Control Assembly, which features the company's patented reaction-less gimbal system. The system allows a satellite to scan, rapidly and repeatedly, any area of interest for infrared activity while not interfering with its ability to stare at another area simultaneously.
The company delivered both systems to Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems in Azusa, Calif., for payload integration and testing.
The completed payload is scheduled to be delivered to Lockheed Martin's facilities in Sunnyvale in mid-2007 for final assembly, integration and tests in preparation for a launch during fiscal year 2008
