[SatNews] With this activiation now completed, the next steps are certification and ops...

The infrared sensor payload on the first U.S. Air Force Space Based Infrared System geosynchronous satellite was recently activated. Tests are now underway to calibrate and characterize the GEO-1 payload for certification and operations.

The SBIRS GEO payload design consists of both a scanning sensor and a separate, independently steerable staring sensor.  These high sensitivity sensors collect and downlink infrared events in several wavelengths in order to simultaneously support multiple mission areas. GEO-1 was launched May 7, 2011, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The spacecraft has been fully deployed and is functioning normally in geosynchronous orbit.  Spacecraft bus and payload tests will continue in parallel to characterize and tune the integrated GEO system in preparation for operational acceptance and system certification next year.  

"Payload activation demonstrates GEO-1's capability to detect infrared events from space," said Jeff Smith, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company SBIRS Vice President and Program Director. "We are confident success will continue as we work closely with the Air Force and our payload partner, Northrop Grumman, to complete the remaining phases of on-orbit testing with the system."

GEO-1 will provide timely, highly accurate missile warning, missile defense, battlespace awareness and technical intelligence data to deployed warfighters, national leadership, and U.S. allies.  The SBIRS system includes GEO spacecraft plus payloads hosted in highly elliptical earth orbit, and ground control and processing elements. "We are tremendously proud of Team SBIRS for their superb efforts to initialize the Air Force's newest, most capable infrared payload," said Col. Mike Noble, Deputy Director of the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center's Infrared Space Systems Directorate.  "This is another important milestone for the SBIRS' Air Force and industry team.  Successful payload activation is a major step toward fielding the all-new GEO capabilities for the nation and joint warfighters."