Second SBIRS GEO Satellite Successfully Completes Final Segment of Baseline Integrated System Test

LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, El Segundo, Calif. - The U.S. Air Force's secondSpace Based Infrared Systems geosynchronous satellite successfully completedBaseline Integrated System Test recently at Lockheed Martin Space SystemsCompany in Sunnyvale, Calif.

During these tests, the satellite and its components were evaluated toensure proper operation as a total system. The payload and bus were testedin a manner similar to how they would perform while on orbit. All phases ofthe testing were successful.

"The successful completion of this milestone is indicative of the team'sincreasing level of expertise leveraging our successful GEO-1 integrationcampaign," said Col. Scott Larrimore, chief of the SBIRS Space Division. "We are well on our way to delivering the second SBIRS GEO satellite. "

The next major development activities will determine the flight-worthinessof the satellite in a space environment. The first environmental test willconfirm that the satellite can survive vibrations from the launch throughascent to orbit. The second environmental test will confirm that GEO-2 cantolerate the temperature extremes experienced throughout its mission life inthe vacuum of space. Then, a Final Integrated Systems Test will beperformed verifying all hardware and software components are workingproperly and the team is ready to complete assembly of the satellite inpreparation for delivery.

According to Col Michael Noble, deputy director of the Infrared SpaceSystems Directorate, "SBIRS' persistent surveillance capabilities enable usto detect missile launches around the globe, support the nation's ballisticmissile defense system, expand technical intelligence gathering and bolstersituational awareness for warfighters on the battlefield. "