SBIRS Satellite Launch Still a Go

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

Air Force space officials announced Tuesday that they are set to launch GEO-1, the first Space Based Infrared System geosynchronous satellite, into orbit on Friday from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket will carry the sophisticated missile warning satellite aloft. The launch time is currently scheduled for 2:14 p.m. US East Coast time. GEO-1 will provide critical warning of missile launches using both a staring and a scanning infrared sensor. The satellite will join two SBIRS staring payloads, dubbed HEO-1 and HEO-2, already operating on classified intelligence satellites in highly elliptical orbits. The SBIRS assets will complement and eventually replace the legacy Defense Support Program early warning constellation. (See also SBIRS satellite in Launch Fairing from the Daily Report archive.)

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org