Air Force Space Command declared the first Space Based Infrared Systems geosynchronous satellite fully operational on May 17, AFSPC spokeswoman 1st Lt. Connie Dillon told the Daily Report on June 12. The early warning satellite, known as GEO-1, launched from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., on May 7, 2011. It was followed by the launch of GEO-2 in March of this year. The SBIRS constellation is designed to provide early warning of missile launches and other types of infrared surveillance information to the US military and intelligence community. They will complement, and eventually replace, legacy Defense Support Program satellites.
If the Air Force is in line for a big budget bump from President Donald Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget in 2027, the head of Air Combat Command said he would make aircraft spare parts his top spending priority—but cautioned that more money to buy parts won’t equal a…
