Lockheed Martin Corp. [LMT] delivered the latest block of flight software for the first geosynchronous orbit (GEO-1) spacecraft in the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) program.

Lockheed also completed acoustic testing of the first geosynchronous orbit (GEO-1) spacecraft in the SBIRS program.

The Air Force SBIRS program is designed to provide early warning of missile launches, and simultaneously support other missions, including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness.

The software is an interim version of the second of two major blocks of enhanced flight software designed to provide highly reliable spacecraft command and control operations. It provides functionality needed to begin Baseline Integrated System Testing (BIST), which will characterize performance of the integrated satellite and establish a performance baseline prior to entering thermal vacuum testing next year.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., prime contractor for the SBIRS program, enhanced the SBIRS flight software architecture to enable robust command and data handling, fault management and safe-hold capabilities on the GEO satellite system, according to Lockheed.

This delivery enables beginning the baseline integrated system test which represents a key milestone on the path to integrate, test and deliver this system.

The second flight software block contains applications that control space vehicle electrical power, temperature, attitude and navigation. It also features a fault management system, which responds when an anomaly is detected during on-orbit operations, putting the satellite into a safe state while operators on the ground analyze the situation and take corrective action.

Successful delivery of the final flight software block is needed to support pre-launch spacecraft testing, including thermal vacuum testing which will validate spacecraft performance at temperature extremes greater than those expected during on-orbit operations.

Lockheed Martin currently is under contract to provide two HEO payloads and two GEO satellites, as well as ground-based assets to receive and process the infrared data. Both HEO payloads are on-orbit and performance meets or exceeds specifications.

Acoustic and pyroshock testing of the first GEO satellite began this month where the integrated spacecraft is subjected to the maximum sound and vibration levels expected during launch into orbit. Thermal vacuum testing is on track for the middle of next year. After the extensive environmental and final integrated test phase, the spacecraft will be shipped to the Air Force in preparation for launch in fiscal year 2010 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Base, Fla.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., and Northrop Grumman Corp. [NOC] unit Electronic Systems, Azusa, Calif., the payload integrator, are developing SBIRS for the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. The Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.