Lockheed Martin has delivered to Northrop Grumman a pointing and control assembly system for the second geosynchronous orbit satellite in the Space-Based Infrared System constellation, according to a company release. Northrop, which now can begin integrating the PCA into the GEO-2 payload, also is working on assembly of GEO-1. Lockheed expects Northrop to deliver GEO-1 in mid-2007, whereupon Lockheed will perform final assembly and checkout in preparation for launch in late 2008.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.