The next generation unified mission control center for the Space Based Infrared System has moved from development to testing following the successful integration of software and hardware to the station in March, according to a May 11 release by manufacturer Lockheed Martin. The ground system, dubbed increment 2, is expected to replace previously distributed control sites next year. “Consolidating operations into a centralized SBIRS ground system will enable warfighters to more efficiently monitor worldwide threats and alert responders for immediate action,” said David Sheridan, Lockheed Martin vice president and SBIRS program director.
A top Pentagon tech official called on industry this week to help the military develop “lighter, more efficient” directed energy weapons designed to go on aircraft and conduct special operations missions or down drones—areas where the Air Force’s directed energy efforts have been quiet as of late.