[Satellite Today 01-14-09] The first Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) GEO-1 satellite has entered a major flight software, spacecraft command and control operations test phase, developer Lockheed Martin announced Jan. 13.
    The baseline integrated system test, conducted at Lockheed Martin’s space systems facilities in Sunnyvale, Calif., will characterize the performance of the integrated satellite and establish a performance baseline prior to entering thermal vacuum testing.
    The U.S. 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.
    Additionally, the Lockheed Martin team delivered the GEO-1 command and telemetry database, known as Database 91, to the U.S. Air Force. The release supports qualification and delivery of the SBIRS ground segment software, and development of operational command plans and scripts that will be used for the GEO-1 intersegment tests, readiness rehearsals and launch.
    Delivery of the final flight software block is planned for February. The spacecraft is scheduled for delivery to the Air Force in early fiscal year 2010 in preparation for launch aboard an Atlas 5 rocket.