Lockheed Martin announced Feb. 16 that the second Space Based Infrared System geosynchronous orbit, known as GEO-2, has passed a key milestone—its first phase of baseline integrated system test, which “characterizes the overall performance of the satellite and establishes a performance baseline for the remainder of the test program.” Dave Sheridan, Lockheed’s SBIRS GEO program manager, called the achievement an example of the government/industry team’s “commitment to operational excellence and successful execution.” A couple of issues discovered during testing of GEO-1 put that satellite behind schedule, but Lockheed says it is now on the road toward final integration for its launch next year. GEO-2 is slated for launch in 2012. USAF has requested funding for GEO-4 and GEO-5 in Fiscal 2011.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth this week released strategies meant to focus the Pentagon’s “alphabet soup” of innovation organizations and proliferate artificial intelligence—moves that experts say could provide the structure needed to make the military’s efforts to integrate and field new technology more effective.
