USAF makes contract with new SBIRS satellite
The US Air Force’s 460th Space Wing has made contact with the fourth Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite, Lockheed Martin announced on 19 January.
According to the company, the SBIRS GEO Flight-4 satellite - launched on 19 January - is responding to the wing's commands as planned.
Equipped with powerful scanning and staring infrared surveillance sensors, the Lockheed Martin-built SBIRS GEO Flight-4 is the latest satellite to join the air force's orbiting missile warning constellation. The sensors collect data for use by the US military to detect missile launches, support ballistic missile defence, expand technical intelligence gathering and strengthen situational awareness on the battlefield. The satellite also completes the initial constellation and enables SBIRS to provide global coverage.
At Buckley Air Force Base, the new SBIRS Block 10 ground control system receives large amounts of data from the satellites' sensors. The control system and its operators convert this data into actionable reports for intelligence, defence and civil applications.
The SBIRS GEO Flight-4 satellite will now transition to its final location in geosynchronous orbit, approximately 22,000 miles above the Earth. There, the satellite’s solar arrays, light shade and antennas will be deployed to begin on-orbit testing. It will join SBIRS GEO Flights 1, 2 and 3, which were launched in 2011, 2013 and 2017, respectively.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Norway to receive maritime surveillance satellite data from Kongsberg]()
Norway to receive maritime surveillance satellite data from Kongsberg
Norway's Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace has announced that its subsidiary Kongsberg NanoAvionics will produce three satellites and launch them in 2025.
-
![First South Korean 425 Project observation satellite launched]()
First South Korean 425 Project observation satellite launched
In 2015, South Korea named a consortium of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Systems, along with Thales Alenia Space providing the SAR payload derived from its HE-R1000 product, as preferred bidder to develop new Korea 425 Project reconnaissance satellites.
-
![German military introduces central command and new cyber branch]()
German military introduces central command and new cyber branch
The German defence minister claimed the reforms would mean the 2025 military budget would require an additional €6.5 billion (US$7 billion).
-
![Hanwha Phasor’s first military antenna to hit market this year]()
Hanwha Phasor’s first military antenna to hit market this year
UK-based company will launch the Phasor L3300B land antenna for mobile communications following a US$113.7 million investment from parent firm Hanwha.
-
![Thales strengthens focus on digital trust environments for military operations]()
Thales strengthens focus on digital trust environments for military operations
At the Future Soldier Technology Conference, Thales Land Communications highlighted the necessity of establishing a digital trust environment to enhance armed forces’ decision-making and operational resilience.
