It is true that the Pentagon wants to develop another satellite to compete (or augment) the Space Based Infrared System; it has a name—the Alternative Infrared Satellite System (AIRSS), according to the Space and Missile Systems Center. SMC officials also confirm that DOD acquisition boss Ken Krieg wants work to begin this year on technology risk reduction, system definition, and alternative sensor architectures. AIRSS is slated to sub for the SBIRS GEO 3 satellite. Officials also note that the alternative program would have the benefit of technology advancements, offering the “potential to maintain schedule and reduce costs.” New Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne has said that SBIRS suffered from technical immaturity, among other issues.
The Space Force revealed this week that it has space control weapons on orbit, but the head of U.S. Space Command said the U.S. still has “a long way to go” in improving its ability to detect and target threats in the domain.
