[Satellite Today 07-08-08] Americom Government Services (AGS) received a contract from the U.S. Air Force to host an experimental sensor on board a commercial spacecraft, the company announced July 8.
    The program, Commercially Hosted Infrared Payload Flight Demonstration Program, will test a new type of infrared sensor from geosynchronous altitudes. AGS has been subcontracted to integrate a passive infrared sensor with a commercial satellite so that it can be launched into orbit allowing data to be transmitted to the ground for analysis.
    The three-year, $65 million contract was signed June 30 with the Space and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles. The sensor will be developed by Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) as a subcontractor to Orbital Sciences.