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.
US Has Struck Over 1,000 Houthi Targets in Renewed Campaign
April 30, 2025
U.S. forces have struck more than 1,000 Houthi targets in Yemen since March 15, U.S. officials said, as the Trump administration’s military campaign against the militants reached the 45-day mark. Dubbed Operation Rough Rider, the campaign has drawn on U.S. Navy and Air Force warplanes and drones. The campaign shows…