[Satellite Today 04-13-09] A team led by Lockheed Martin has submitted its proposal for the Space-Based Infrared System’s (SBIRS) program’s follow-on production phase and has completed the preliminary design review with the U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin announced April 10.
    The SBIRS follow-on program, which will complete the SBIRS constellation, will add the third and fourth highly elliptical orbit (HEO) payloads as well as the third and an option for a fourth geosynchronous orbit (GEO) spacecraft.
     Working under an initial $370 million contract for advanced procurement phase, Lockheed Martin said it expects the award for the additional GEO spacecraft and HEO payloads in late 2009.