This milestone officially initiates single line flow activities for the second space vehicle. Payload integration activities will continue, culminating with full integrated space vehicle power on operations later this summer. SBIRS is the nation’s next generation early missile warning system, replacing the legacy Defense Support System (DSP) with unrivaled missile warning capability; delivering a new generation of space-based satellites providing missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence, and battlespace awareness to combatant commanders. SBIRS is revolutionizing space based infrared monitoring of the earth with its wide field of view, increased sensitivity, fast revisit rate, and persistent presence. The Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center’s Space Based Infrared Systems Wing manages the SBIRS program to develop both the highly elliptical orbiting payloads and geosynchronous orbiting satellites as well as the ground systems to support mission operations. The Space and Missile Systems Center, located at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the U.S. Air Force’s center of acquisition excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems including GPS, military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, satellite control network, space based infrared systems, intercontinental ballistic missile systems and space situational awareness capabilities.
“This flawless operation was a major milestone in the SBIRS program,” said Lt. Col. Heath Collins, commander of the SBIRS Space Squadron, part of the SBIRS Wing. “We now have our second satellite integrated and ready to begin its rigorous test program on the way to launch in 2011. The SBIRS team continues to impress. They are truly a world-class team of professionals working together to bring this unprecedented missile warning capability to the warfighter.” said Collins.
