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.)
General Atomics, the maker of one of the Air Force’s first Collaborative Combat Aircraft, has ambitious plans for its family of semi-autonomous drones beyond the FQ-42, including a flying-wing aircraft capable of carrying out both reconnaissance and strike missions. Meanwhile, the Air Force Research Laboratory announced a new program to…