New Early Warning Satellite Passes Test
The new SBIRS High “Space-Based Infrared System High” has successfully completed a crucial “jitter” test and is a key step in the performance requirement of the new next generation missile system.
The new system will allow for monitoring of specific locations to better detect missile launches and give missile defense systems more time to respond. When fully functional the system will have four satellites in geosynchronous orbit along with ground sites to process the data.
On May the 5th Lockheed Martin released the following press release regarding the test.
Press Release
SUNNYVALE, Calif., May 4, 2005 — Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has successfully completed a crucial “jitter” test of the Space-Based Infrared System High (SBIRS High) geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellite, an important step in meeting the critical performance requirements of the nation’s next-generation missile warning system.
An important and highly complex feature of the SBIRS High GEO satellites is the Pointing and Control Assembly (PCA), which allows the satellite’s two optical systems to be positioned to scan and stare at designated areas, enabling operators to modify areas of surveillance according to national priorities.
The heart of the SBIRS GEO satellite is the ability to use one optical system to rapidly and repeatedly scan an area of interest for infrared activity while not interfering with the second optical system’s ability to simultaneously stare at another area. The successful test, which was conducted at Lockheed Martin’s facilities in Sunnyvale, Calif., and utilized the GEO spacecraft structure and other flight hardware, demonstrated with high confidence that other sources of movement, such as reaction wheels, solar arrays and various deployable and steerable mechanisms will not impact the multiple missions of the infrared payload. “Our robust jitter testing and analysis has shown with outstanding results that the critical line-of-sight performance and accurate pointing capabilities of SBIRS will work as designed,” said Myles Crandall, Lockheed Martin’s SBIRS High vice president.
“Working closely with our Air Force customer, the team continues to work quickly and effectively to deliver the unprecedented capabilities that this vital national program will provide for our warfighters.”
To read the full press release follow this Link
