The Air Force has accepted for operations the second space based infrared system on-orbit payload, moving that payload one step closer to full operational status later this year, according to lead contractor Lockheed Martin. In a release July 24, the company said this payload, dubbed HEO-2, “has been exceeding expectations” during the test regimen necessary for it to be cleared for operations to warn of ballistic missile launches as part of the US network of early warning satellites. The final step is for US Strategic Command to formally certify HEO-2 for operations. This milestone is expected in August, said Lockheed. “HEO performance continues to be spectacular,” said Col. Roger Teague, commander of the Air Force’s SBIRS Wing. USAF’s acceptance came after an operational utility evaluation and trial period, during which live HEO-2 data was injected into operational missile warning networks, said Lockheed. HEO-2 will join HEO-1, which was cleared for operations last December.
The Air Force on Jan. 6 released nearly a dozen photos of F-22 and F-35 fighters returning to Puerto Rico after supporting the raid to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro—the first official images of forces who participated in Operation Absolute Resolve.
