Lockheed Martin said the SBIRS GEO-1 spacecraft, launched in May, is performing as expected and undergoing early orbit testing. The satellite aims to enhance the U.S. military’s ability to detect missile launches around the globe, support the U.S. Department of Defense’s ballistic missile defense system, expand technical intelligence gathering capability and bolster situational awareness for warfighters.

   “The U.S. Air Force/Lockheed Martin SBIRS ground team executed a series of six Liquid Apogee engine burns to propel the spacecraft to its geosynchronous orbital slot. The team then deployed the satellite’s solar arrays, light shade and antenna wing assemblies. Most recently, the team opened the satellite’s payload doors and activated its infrared sensors to begin the start of early orbit calibration and testing,” Lockheed Martin said in a company statement.

   Lockheed Martin is acting as the Air Force’s SBIRS prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman as the payload integration subcontractor.