[Satellite Today – 5-16-08] United Launch Alliance has been awarded a contract modification to launch the U.S. Air Force’s Space Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS) Geo-2 satellite, the company announced May 15.
    The spacecraft, scheduled for launch between December 2010 and March 2011 aboard an Atlas 5 rocket, will provide missile warning quick reaction messages and missile defense data to destroy missiles and launchers. SBIRS also will provide wideband data to technical intelligence analysts and battle space characterization of the battlefield to the warfighter.
    The first SBIRS spacecraft is scheduled to be launched in late 2009.