Airmen working on the ground segment for GEO-1, the first Space Based Infrared Systems satellite, have completed months of testing in Boulder, Colo., to verify that they will be able to assess whether the satellite’ missile warning functions are performing properly once GEO-1 is on orbit sometime next year. “Completing integration of our software baseline that will provide missile warning certification for SBIRS GEO-1 is a tremendous step forward for the ground segment of the program,” said Col. Troy Brashear, SBIRS Ground Group commander at Los Angeles AFB, Calif. He added, “We are on the right track, evidenced by the early achievement of this milestone; the program is making solid progress toward delivery to launch.” This testing concluded in mid-September, eight days ahead of schedule. (Los Angeles release) (For more on SBIRS, read Missile Warning for the Future from the October issue of Air Force Magazine.)
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.