Missile warning satellite successfully launches, establishes communication

The U.S. Air Force’s 460th Space Wing recently established communication with the fourth Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite following its launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

United Launch Alliance launched an Atlas V rocket carrying the missile warning satellite from Space Launch Complex-41 on Jan. 19. The Lockheed Martin designed and built the SBIRS GEO Flight-4 satellite.

The satellite, which is equipped with equipped with scanning and staring infrared surveillance sensors, also completes the Air Force’s orbiting missile warning constellation and allows SBIRS to provide global coverage. The sensors also collect data for use by the U.S. military to detect missile launches, support ballistic missile defense, expand technical intelligence gathering, and strengthen situational awareness on the battlefield.

“SBIRS is the nation’s 24-7 global watchman, with infrared eyes ready to detect and deliver early warning and tracking of ballistic missiles,” Tom McCormick, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Overhead Persistent Infrared systems mission area, said. ”A cornerstone of the nation’s missile defense system, SBIRS is proving even more precise and powerful than expected.”

The SBIRS GEO Flight-4 will now transition to its final location in geosynchronous orbit, approximately 22,000 miles above the Earth. The satellite’s solar arrays, light shade, and antennas will then deploy to begin on-orbit testing.