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Air Force and its industry partners successfully launched, GEO-1, the first Space Based Infrared System geosynchronous satellite, into orbit from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V booster carried the Lockheed Martin-built missile warning satellite aloft. “Today, we launched the next generation missile warning capability,” said Gen. William Shelton, Air Force Space Command commander, of the May 7 mission. “It’s taken a lot of hard work by the government-industry team and we couldn’t be more proud. We look forward to this satellite providing superb capabilities for many years to come.” GEO-1 features highly sophisticated scanning and staring sensors designed to provide enhanced early warning of missile launches worldwide as well as ancillary roles like supporting missile defense engagements. GEO-1 will complement legacy Defense Support Program warning satellites on orbit. It joins two SBIRS staring sensors already operating on classified intelligence satellites. Northrop Grumman supplies the SBIRS sensors. (Cape Canaveral release) (Lockheed release)
Since President Donald Trump first unveiled his “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative in late January, much of the focus for it has been focused on space—how the Pentagon may deploy dozens, if not hundreds, of sensors and interceptors into orbit to protect the continental U.S. from missile barrages. But the Air…