The first Space Based Infrared System early warning satellite, dubbed GEO-1, is now ready for environmental testing after engineers successfully completed a comprehensive phase of integrated baseline tests, Lockheed Martin, the satellite’s manufacturer, announced April 30. “I am proud of our entire team for completing this significant milestone ahead of the planned schedule,” said Air Force Col. Roger Teague, commander of SBIRS Wing at Los Angeles AFB, Calif. The baseline integrated system test phase began in early March to characterize the performance of the satellite and establish a performance baseline for entering the environmental testing. The engineers will now add the satellite’s solar arrays, deployable light shade, and thermal blankets to the GEO-1 bus and prepare the satellite for acoustic and pyroshock testing. The Air Force plans to launch SBISRS GEO-1 into orbit in late 2009.
President Donald Trump signed legislation reopening the federal government late Nov. 12, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The move sets the stage for tens of thousands of defense civilians to return to work and guarantees troops will be paid in a few days’ time.
