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.
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.