Lockheed Delivers Key Sat Components: The Lockheed Martin-led team has completed a critical payload subsystem and software for the first geosynchronous orbit satellite of the Space Based Infrared System, according to Lockheed officials. The SBIRS GEO 1 satellite is scheduled to launch in Fiscal 2008. Lockheed expects to have the completed payload delivered to its Sunnyvale, Calif., facility in 2007.
While the Pentagon has signaled its intent to scale technology, field new systems faster, and work more with nontraditional vendors, a new report identifies persistent manufacturing capacity, resourcing, workforce, and modernization challenges that could hinder its ability to deliver on those goals.