The Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a $1.5-billion contract for the third Space Based Infrared System satellite, GEO-3, and the third SBIRS sensor payload, HEO-3, destined for a separate spacecraft. Lockheed announced the deal Tuesday. “The improved infrared event detection and reporting capabilities provided by SBIRS are integral to our nation’s information and intelligence architecture and we look forward to achieving mission success on this vitally important program,” said Jeff Smith, Lockheed’s SBIRS vice president in the company’s release. The SBIRS constellation will augment and eventually replace Defense Support Program early warning satellites. There are two HEO payloads already on orbit, the first of which is already certified for operations. GEO-1 and GEO-2, planned for geosynchronous orbit, are undergoing ground testing. GEO-1 is slated for launch in 2010. The Air Force has requested funds in Fiscal 2010 to procure HEO-4 and buy the long-lead-time parts for GEO-4.
Details Murky as ARRW Falls Short in Second Test
March 24, 2023
The second all-up flight of the AGM-183A ARRW hypersonic missile apparently fell short of expectations, but the AIr Force isn't saying how, reporting only that the test met "several of the objectives" of the test. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control recently said he company is "ready to go" to…