New Missile Warning
Satellite Built By Lockheed Martin Progressing In Critical Test
Phase
(19 March 2008) Lockheed Martin
announced today that the first Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS)
geosynchronous orbit (GEO-1) spacecraft is progressing through a series of key
tests that will demonstrate the integrated satellite's readiness to enter the
critical environmental test phase in preparation for launch in late
2009.
SBIRS is designed to provide early warning of missile
launches, and simultaneously support other missions including missile defence,
technical intelligence and battlespace characterisation.
The test phase,
known as Baseline Integrated System Test (BIST), is conducted at Lockheed
Martin's Space Systems facilities in Sunnyvale, Calif. and is designed to
characterise the overall performance of the GEO-1 satellite and establish a
performance baseline prior to entering environmental testing.
The first
phase of BIST, which included the GEO-1 spacecraft in an expanded
configuration, was completed on Jan. 23, 2008. Following the successful test,
the team assembled the satellite into the flight configuration, including the
GEO-1 bus and payload and other critical subsystems. A comprehensive test of
the integrated satellite is now underway.
Upon the completion of BIST in
May, the team will integrate the satellite's solar arrays, deployable light
shade, and thermal blankets and then prepare for acoustic and pyroshock testing
where the integrated spacecraft will be subjected to the maximum sound and
vibration levels expected during launch into orbit.
Prior to the start
of environmental testing, the team will also conduct a major test to validate
that the SBIRS ground components and the GEO satellite can work together during
launch and on-orbit operation.
"Our steady progress in this critical
integrated satellite test phase reflects the entire team's hard work and
dedication to operational excellence on this vital national security program,"
said Jeff Smith, Lockheed Martin's SBIRS vice president and GEO-1 program
manager. "This first-of-its-kind satellite will provide unprecedented new
capabilities for our warfighters and we look forward to achieving mission
success for our customer."
The team was recently selected by the U.S.
Air Force as its nominee for the National Aeronautic Association's 2007 Robert
J. Collier Trophy for the successful development, deployment, test and on-orbit
operations of the first SBIRS Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO)
payload.
Considered America's most prestigious award for aeronautical
and space development, the Robert J. Collier Trophy is awarded annually for the
greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to
improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles, the
value of which has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the
preceding year.
The first HEO payload has demonstrated that its
performance meets or exceeds specifications. The test team safely pushed system
performance so that data collection and processing results exceeded government
specifications in over 95% of cases. Payload sensitivity, initial report time,
pointing accuracy, potential for supporting unplanned missions, efficiency and
safety were all largely improved by the multi-disciplinary approach this team
undertook.
The SBIRS team is led by the Space Based Infrared Systems
Wing at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air
Force Base, Calif. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., is
the SBIRS prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Azusa,
Calif., as the payload subcontractor. 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 the ground-based assets to
receive and process the infrared data.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md.,
Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people world-wide and is principally
engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and
sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The
Corporation reported 2007 sales of US$ 41.9 billion.
(source: Lockheed
Martin)
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