Lockheed Martin says it has successfully finished extensive testing of the first geosynchronous orbit satellite of the Space Based Infrared System, showing GEO-1 will “meet performance requirements.” Next up for the sat is thermal vacuum testing to demonstrate its ability to operate in extreme temperatures—greater than expected once it’s on orbit. Launch of GEO-1 is slated for late 2008.
U.S. Northern Command and multiple research organizations just wrapped up a joint, three-year experiment to test new radar technology that could enable the Northern Warning System to detect incoming threats at longer ranges across Alaska and northern Canada.