Northrop Grumman Electronics Systems delivered a Space Based Infrared System payload to Lockheed Martin for integration with a SBIRS geosynchronous spacecraft to be launched in 2016. The Sept. 30 delivery was the third payload delivered in 15 months, according to an Air Force Space Command release. The new payload will go on the fourth GEO satellite—last unit in the geosynchronous piece of the SBIRS constellation. “It takes a tremendous amount of work and dedication to bring these systems together, but it pays off when we deliver new capabilities to the warfighter,” said Maj. Jon Seal, GEO-4 vehicle manager. The fifth and sixth GEO satellites, which are under contract, eventually will replace the first two GEO satellites.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
