SBIRS Geo-5 limbers up for launch
SBIRS Geo-5 in a thermal vacuum test chamber. The satellite will be launched on 17 May. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
The fifth and sixth satellites in the missile-warning constellation include a new modular combat bus.
Preparations are in progress at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for the launch on 17 May of the fifth geosynchronous Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) satellite for the US Space Force.
The SBIRS constellation is designed to detect missile launches anywhere in the world and feed the resulting data to the US missile defence network.
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin announced on 25 March that SBIRS Geo-5 is notable for being ‘the first military space satellite built on the company’s modernised, modular LM 2100 combat bus’.
LM2100 is designed to provide greater resiliency and cyber-hardening, as well as enhanced spacecraft power, propulsion and electronics. It also features a flexible design that reduces the cost to incorporate future modernised sensor suites, Lockheed Martin added.
SBIRS Geo-6 is scheduled for launch in 2022 with the same LM 2100 bus.
Besides Geo-5 and Geo-6, the LM 2100 bus is the baseline for three Next Gen OPIR Block 0 satellites that are planned to be launched from 2025. LM 2100 also features in future GPS III satellites to be launched from 2026.
SBIRS Geo-5 in a thermal vacuum test chamber. The satellite will be launched on 17 May. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool]()
Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool
Nomad can provide militaries with real-time intelligence, saving critical time on the battlefield.
-
![AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems]()
AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems
Taurus operates alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ Orion system which supports mission management across tens of thousands of manoeuvring forces, from squad leaders to battalion commanders.
-
![AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster]()
AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster
The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.
-
![AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end]()
AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end
Persistent Systems received its largest ever single order for its MPU5 devices and other systems earlier this month and has already delivered the 50 units to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
-
![Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella]()
Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella
Turkey has joined the family of countries attempting to establish a multilayered air defence system with government approval in August 2024 for the effort landed by Aselsan. Dubbed Steel Dome, the programme joins Israel’s Iron Dome, the US Golden Dome, India’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra and South Korea’s low-altitude missile defence system.
-
![DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system]()
DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system
MARSS’ NiDAR system has been deployed using sensors from static platforms to provide detection and protection for static sights, such as critical infrastructure, ports and military bases.
