Article Posted on : - May 25, 2012

Core structure for a SBIRS geosynchronous (GEO) satellite. Photo: Lockheed Martin.

STENNIS, MISSISSIPPI (BNS): The US Air Force's fourth Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous satellite (GEO-4) structure has been delivered to Lockheed Martin's Mississippi Space & Technology Center, where engineers and technicians will integrate the spacecraft's propulsion subsystem.

Featuring a mix of GEO satellites, hosted payloads in highly elliptical earth orbit, and associated ground hardware and software, SBIRS delivers resilient and improved missile warning capabilities while simultaneously providing significant contributions to the military's missile defence, technical intelligence and battle space awareness mission areas.

The GEO-4 structure, identical to the previous three SBIRS GEO spacecraft, is made from lightweight; high-strength composite materials designed to withstand the accelerations and vibrations generated during launch and support the spacecraft throughout on-orbit operations.

Lockheed Martin engineers and technicians will now integrate the propulsion subsystem with the core structure, which is essential for maneuvering the satellite during transfer orbit to its final location, as well as conducting on-orbit repositioning maneuvers throughout its mission life.

The integrated core propulsion module will then be shipped to Sunnyvale, California, for final assembly, integration and test. SBIRS GEO-4 is on schedule to be available for launch in 2015.