The missile warning sensor for the third Space Based Infrared System geosynchronous orbiting satellite shipped to the Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company in Sunnyvale, Calif., on Dec. 18, for final integration, according to a company release. “We are one step closer to upgrading our nation’s missile warning system with the delivery of this sensor to Lockheed Martin,” said Lt. Col. Dan Walter, SBIRS satellite program manager, in the release. GEO-3 is slated for delivery to the Air Force in 2014 and GEO-4 will be delivered in 2015, according to the release. SBIRS GEO-2 was declared operational in late November just eight months after its launch from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., announced Lockheed Martin on Dec. 17. The SBIRS constellation provides continuous early warning of ballistic missile launches and other tactical intelligence. Lockheed also is under contract for long-lead parts procurement for SBIRS GEO-5 and GEO-6.
In a nighttime ceremony contrived to continue concealment of many of its features, the new B-21 bomber rolled out of Northrop Grumman's Palmdale, Calif. plant Dec. 2. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the aircraft's advanced technology represents "deterrence, the American way."