January 15, 2013
U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin Deliver Nation’s Next Infrared Surveillance Satellite

The U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] have delivered the second Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO-2) Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) spacecraft to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., where it will be prepared for a March liftoff aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. Read More

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October 25, 2012
U.S. Air Force Awards Lockheed Martin Initial Contract for Next Set of Missile Warning Satellites

The U.S. Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin an $82 million contract to begin initial work on the fifth and sixth geosynchronous (GEO) satellites in the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) missile warning constellation.  Read More

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October 4, 2012
Northrop Grumman Completes SBIRS HEO-3 Payload Integration and Ambient Functional Test

Northrop Grumman Corporation has successfully completed payload integration and the ambient functional test of the U.S. Air Force's Space Based Infrared System's (SBIRS) third highly elliptical orbit (HEO-3) payload. Lockheed Martin is the SBIRS prime contractor, Northrop Grumman is the payload integrator. Read Full Article

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October 3, 2012
SBIRS GEO-1 Enters Dedicated Operational Test

The U.S. Air Force announced Sept. 27 that the first Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit satellite and associated ground system is certified to enter dedicated operational utility evaluation and trial period operations as scheduled in preparation for use by the warfighter. Learn more

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June 5, 2012
First SBIRS Satellite Exceeding Performance Expectations After One Year On Orbit

The first Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT]-built Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-1) satellite, launched on May 7, 2011, is exceeding performance expectations and is on schedule to achieve operational certification later this year.

Data from the U.S Air Force’s SBIRS GEO-1 satellite will enhance the military’s ability to detect missile launches around the globe, support the nation's ballistic missile defense system, greatly expand technical intelligence gathering capabilities, and bolster situational awareness for warfighters on the battlefield. Full Article

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May 4, 2012
Lockheed Martin Delivers Core Structure for Fourth SBIRS Satellite

Lockheed Martin has received the core structure for the U.S. Air Force’s fourth Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous satellite (GEO-4). The structure was delivered to Lockheed Martin's Mississippi Space & Technology Center, where engineers and technicians will integrate the spacecraft’s propulsion subsystem.

Featuring a mix of GEO satellites, hosted payloads in highly elliptical earth orbit, and associated ground hardware and software, SBIRS delivers resilient and improved missile warning capabilities for the nation while simultaneously providing significant contributions to the military's missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness mission areas. Full Story

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April 2, 2012
U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin Complete Final System Tests For Critical Missile Warning Satellite

Lockheed Martin has successfully completed a major milestone for the U.S. Air Force’s second Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous satellite (GEO-2). The milestone, known as the Final Integrated System Test (FIST), verifies the spacecraft's performance and functionality in preparation for delivery to the launch site.  Full Story

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March 19, 2012
Nation’s Newest Missile Warning Satellite Exceeding Performance Expectations on Path to Operational Certification

LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, El Segundo, Calif.  -- The first Space Based Infrared Systems geosynchronous earth orbit satellite, currently undergoing a rigorous operational certification process, is meeting or exceeding performance requirements, and on track to be delivered into operations. Full Story

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March 5, 2012
Successful simulator move for SBIRS

Col. B. Chance Saltzman, the 460th Operations Group commander, proudly cut a ribbon, Jan. 11, to mark the completion of the relocation of their space operations simulator. This move of the existing space simulation system is the first step in completing a system upgrade of the Space Based Infrared System. This move more efficiently utilizes existing space, making room for the additional equipment and renovations required to improve the overall missile warning system, increasing the 460th Space Wing's missile warning capabilities. Read the full story at the Buckley Air Force Base website.

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February 13, 2012
 U.S. Air Force’s New Missile Warning Satellite Providing Vital Infrared Data To Users

The first Lockheed Martin-built Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-1) satellite is now delivering critical infrared data to users.  The spacecraft is currently undergoing its rigorous operational certification process.

Data from the U.S. Air Force’s SBIRS GEO-1 satellite will enhance the military’s ability to detect missile launches around the globe, support the nation's ballistic missile defense system, greatly expand technical intelligence gathering capability, and bolster situational awareness for warfighters on the battlefield.  Full Story

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December 13, 2011
U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin Complete Environmental Testing of the Nation’s Next Missile Warning Satellite

Lockheed Martin has successfully completed thermal vacuum testing of the U.S. Air Force’s second Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-2) satellite. The milestone represents the spacecraft’s most significant achievement to-date on the path to launch.

SBIRS satellites deliver vastly improved missile warning capabilities for the nation while simultaneously improving the military’s missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness mission areas. Full Story

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November 1, 2011
U.S. Air Force’s Space Based Infrared System Wins Top Honors at C4ISR Journal 2011 Awards

The first Lockheed Martin-built Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-1) satellite earned a top honor at the fourth annual Big 25 Awards ceremony Friday, October 28 at the C4ISR Journal Conference in Arlington, Va. For the award, the C4ISR Journal editors scan the industry and intelligence community for the innovations, network systems, sensors, platforms and organizations that had the greatest impact to the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission in 2011. SBIRS GEO-1 was selected as the year’s most important platform representing the greatest benefit to the intelligence community.

“It is an honor and a privilege to work with the entire government/industry SBIRS team and this award is a true testament to each and every individual who has supported this critical program,” said Jeff Smith, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) mission area. “Partnering with the Air Force, we delivered a satellite that will greatly improve our national security for years to come.”

The U.S. Air Force’s SBIRS GEO-1 spacecraft, successfully launched into orbit on May 7, is the most technologically advanced military infrared satellite ever developed. The system enhances the military’s ability to detect missile launches around the globe, supports the nation's ballistic missile defense system, greatly expands technical intelligence gathering capability, and bolsters situational awareness for warfighters on the battlefield.

The satellite includes highly sophisticated scanning and staring sensors that deliver improved infrared sensitivity and a reduction in area revisit times over the current constellation. The scanning sensor provides a wide area surveillance of missile launches and natural phenomena across the earth, while the staring sensor observes smaller areas of interest with superior sensitivity.

The SBIRS team is led by the Infrared Space Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Lockheed Martin is the SBIRS prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman as the payload integrator. Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.

Lockheed Martin's original SBIRS contract includes HEO payloads, two geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellites, as well as ground-based assets to receive and process the infrared data. The team is also under a follow-on production contract to deliver additional HEO payloads and the third and fourth GEO satellites, and associated ground modifications.

Learn more about the C4ISR Journal Awards at: http://c4isrjournal.com/blogs/insider/2011/10/28/c4isr-journal-awards-2011-winners/

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August 16, 2011
U.S Air Force’s Second Missile Warning Satellite Completes Major Environmental Test At Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin has successfully completed acoustic testing of the second Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-2) spacecraft. During acoustic testing, the fully integrated GEO-2 spacecraft was paced through the maximum sound and vibration levels expected during launch into orbit. Acoustic and pyroshock testing are among several critical environmental test phases that validate the overall satellite design, quality of workmanship and survivability during space vehicle launching and on-orbit operations. Full Story

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July 29, 2011
Second SBIRS GEO Satellite Successfully Completes Final Segment of Baseline Integrated System Test

The U.S. Air Force’s second Space Based Infrared Systems geosynchronous satellite successfully completed Baseline Integrated System Test recently at Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company in Sunnyvale, Calif. During these tests, the satellite and its components were evaluated to ensure proper operation as a total system. The payload and bus were tested in a manner similar to how they would perform while on orbit. All phases of the testing were successful. Read U.S. Air Force Release

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July 7, 2011
Nation’s New Missile Warning Satellite Delivers First Infrared Imagery

The first Lockheed Martin-built Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-1) spacecraft beamed down its first infrared image on June 21 to the SBIRS ground station. Following its May 7 launch, the satellite is performing as expected, and is now undergoing early orbit testing. Full story here

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May 24, 2011
Next Generation Missile Warning Satellite Successfully Reaches Orbit
SBIRS GEO-1 Spacecraft to Deliver Unprecedented Infrared Surveillance for the Nation

The first Lockheed Martin-built Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-1) spacecraft has successfully reached its intended orbit and is performing as required following its successful May 7 launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Full story here

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May 7, 2011
Lockheed Martin-Built Next Generation Missile Warning Satellite Launched Successfully

National Space Asset to Bolster Missile Warning Capabilities

The first Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-1) spacecraft, built by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Air Force, was successfully launched today at 2:10 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. SBIRS GEO-1 is the most technologically advanced military infrared satellite ever developed and will deliver vastly improved missile warning capabilities for the nation while simultaneously improving the Nation’s missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness mission areas. Read Full story here

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May 4, 2011
U.S. Air Force Poised To Launch First-Of-Its-Kind Space Based Infrared System Satellite

The U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin are ready to launch the first Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-1) spacecraft on Friday, May 6 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The launch window is 2:14 p.m. EDT to 2:54 p.m. EDT. A live launch broadcast will begin at 1:54 p.m. EDT and will be accessible via the ULA webcast. Read Full story here

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April 26, 2011
Lockheed Martin-Built Missile Warning Satellite Encapsulated In Launch Vehicle Payload Fairing

The first Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-1) spacecraft was encapsulated into its payload fairing April 20 in preparation for an early May liftoff aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. SBIRS GEO-1 will enhance the nation’s missile warning capabilities and improve other critical mission areas simultaneously including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness. Read Full story here

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April 11, 2011
SBIRS GEO-1 Fueled for Launch

LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, El Segundo, Calif. -- The Space Based Infrared Systems team passed a major milestone April 11 with the successful completion of the spacecraft fueling for the GEO-1 satellite. Space vehicle fueling signifies all spacecraft preparations are complete, and the satellite is ready to be mated with the rocket for an early May launch. The final decision to fuel was given by Lt. Gen. Tom Sheridan, commander of the Space and Missile Systems Center here, after several detailed readiness reviews were conducted in the months prior to beginning fueling operations. Read full story here

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March 28, 2011
SBIRS Completes Critical Test in Preparation for Launch

(From www.afspc.af.mil/) March 28, 2011 -- The SBIRS Program completed its final major pre-launch test for the first Geosynchronous (GEO-1) satellite. The milestone, known as the SBIRS System Test 5001.4 Regression Test demonstrated the ability to transmit data between the spacecraft and flight control facilities, and perform the critical operational functions of the SBIRS GEO-1 integrated ground and space system. This pre-launch test was held at various locations in Colorado and California. Read full story here

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March 7, 2011
U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin Deliver Cutting Edge Missile Warning Spacecraft


The U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin team has delivered the first geosynchronous (GEO-1) Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) spacecraft to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., where it will be prepared for an early May liftoff aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle. Read more

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February 22, 2011
SBIRS program completes major GEO launch readiness milestone

(From http://www.buckley.af.mil ) The 460 Operations Group Detachment 1, working as part of the Space and Missile Center (SMC) Space Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS) Directorate' s Combined Task Force (CTF), announced successful completion of the largest ever on-orbit rehearsal for the first SBIRS Geosynchronous (GEO) satellite. The Activity 11 (A11) rehearsal was a full-scale, continuous rehearsal of the integrated GEO launch and on-orbit activation team. "A11 was a major milestone as the SBIRS team prepares for the first GEO launch," said Lt. Col. Chris Sullivan, 460th Operations Group Det. 1 commander. A11 covered ten days with over 500 participants at four interconnected centers. Read More

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February 16, 2011
Lockheed Martin Completes Final Installations on First of Its Kind Missile Warning Spacecraft

The U.S. Air Force/Lockheed-led Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) team has finished final installations on the first geosynchronous (GEO-1) satellite and successfully completed the spacecraft’s final factory confidence test in preparation for delivery to the launch site. 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. Read the Full News Release

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January 31, 2011
Lockheed Martin SBIRS Team Passes Major Flight Operations Test Milestone on Path to GEO-1 Launch

The U.S. Air Force/Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT]-led Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) team has successfully completed a major space to ground interface and functional system test for the first geosynchronous (GEO-1) satellite. The milestone, known as the 5001.4 test, verifies the spacecraft’s performance and interface with the ground segment and represents one of the program’s most significant milestones to date on the path to launch. Read the Full News Release

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December 13, 2010
U.S. Air Force/Lockheed Martin Complete Major Testing Milestone For First-Of-Its Kind Missile Warning Satellite

The U.S. Air Force/Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT]-led Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) team has successfully completed the Final Integrated System Test (FIST) of the first geosynchronous (GEO-1) satellite, a major program milestone that verifies the spacecraft's performance and functionality in preparation for delivery to the launch site. Having conducted all system environmental testing and now with the completion of FIST, SBIRS GEO-1 is on track to meet its scheduled spring 2011 launch aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Read More

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November 29, 2010
U.S. Air Force/Lockheed Martin Completes Critical Design Review for SBIRS Follow-On Spacecraft

(From http://www.losangeles.af.mil/) -- The Space and Missile System Center's Space Based Infrared Systems Directorate and Lockheed Martin have successfully completed the system-level Critical Design Review (CDR) for the third and fourth geosynchronous (GEO) satellites under the SBIRS Follow-On Production Program (SFP). The system-level CDR, completed on November 16, validates the program's detailed design as it heads into production. Read more

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October 20, 2010
Second SBIRS Satellite Successfully Completes Panel Integration

(From http://www.afspc.af.mil/) -- The U.S. Air Force's second geosynchronous Space-Based Infrared Systems satellite successfully completed the integration of its two equipment panels onto the spacecraft core module on Oct. 6 at the development site in Sunnyvale, Calif. This is a major milestone in the GEO-2 program and represents the first instance of a fully assembled and integrated GEO-2 space vehicle. Read More

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September 30, 2010
GIO Ground System Verification Complete

(From http://www.losangeles.af.mil/) -- On Sept. 13, and eight days ahead of schedule, the SBIRS ground team completed the GEO Interim Operations Ground Segment System integration testing for Missile Warning Message Certification at the Interim Test Center in Boulder, Colo. This milestone is a vital building block of mission functionality necessary for missile warning certification of the SBIRS GEO-1 satellite. In completing the GIO Integration milestone the Ground Segment validated 853 mission readiness objectives and supported months of GIO Integration testing that exercised 594,000 lines of code. Read More