SBIRS-GEO 1, 2, 3, 4

SBIRS-High (Space Based Infra Red Sensor - High Altitude) is the high altitude component of the SBIRS program, which will replace the DSP system of early warning satellites. On Oct. 3, 1996, the SBIRS High program received approval from the Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology, Dr Paul Kaminski. The SBIRS High Component element, featuring a mix of Geosynchronus Earth Orbit (SBIRS-GEO) satellites, Highly Elliptical Earth Orbit (SBIRS-HEO) satellites, and a new consolidated Ground Processing station, will incrementally replace the existing DSP infrastructure over the FY99 - FY03 time frame. This element is the first of two planned elements which will provide an enhanced follow-on capability to the current DSP system. The second element, commonly known as the Low Component, has been designated as a Major Defense Acquisition Program but is being developed as an integral part of the overall SBIRS “System of Systems” development concept.

The EMD contract for SBIRS High was awarded to Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space as the prime contractor on 8 Nov 96. Lockheed’s team-members include Aerojet and Lockheed Martin Federal Systems to provide satellite control, mission data processing and telemetry and tracking and operations, Northrop Grumman to provide primary infrared sensor payload and Honeywell for on-board data processing. This contract value is $1.8B for High Component work spanning the next 10 years.

In late 2005, the SBIRS-High program has been curtailed to no more than three satellites due to skyrocketing costs. In June 2009 the third satellite was ordered.

Source: SBIRS website

Last update: 27.09.2009
Contact: gunter.krebs@skyrocket.de
© Gunter Dirk Krebs