Artist’s rendition of a SBIRS satellite. Photo: Lockheed Martin

[Via Satellite 06-10-2015] The United States Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center has awarded Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company a contract modification to use the modernized A2100 spacecraft based on the company’s Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Technical Refresh proposal. The effort will modernize the Geosynchronous Earth Orbiting (GEO) SBIRS 5 and 6 at no additional cost to the fixed-price contract, originally awarded in June 2014.

The SBIRS program is responsible for America’s early missile warning and infrared surveillance missions. Lockheed Martin’s modernized A2100 is based on an internally funded multiyear program to improve features such as spacecraft power, propulsion and electronics, while also adopting advanced manufacturing techniques to decrease production costs and timelines.

“The modernized satellite provides a pathway for implementing the next-generation of capabilities being pursued under the Air Force’s Space Modernization Initiative. In the end, the next generation capabilities will enable warfighters to see dimmer targets faster which will allow commanders to keep our troops on the battlefield, as well as our nation and our allies, safe,” said Col.Mike Guetlein, Remote Sensing System Directorate program director.