Lockheed Martin’s SBIRS GEO-5 satellite. Photo: Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin revealed Wednesday that the fifth Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (SBIRS GEO-5) satellite is complete and ready for launch in 2021, as determined by the U.S. Space Force. SBIRS GEO-5 is the first military space satellite built on Lockheed Martin’s LM 2100 combat bus. The SBIRS GEO-6 satellite is also being built on the new bus, with plans to launch in 2022.

Both SBIRS GEO-5 and GEO-6 will to join the U.S. Space Force’s constellation of missile warning satellites, which have scanning and staring infrared surveillance sensors. These sensors collect data that allow the U.S. military to detect missile launches, support ballistic missile defense, expand technical intelligence gathering, and strengthen situational awareness capabilities.

Besides SBIRS GEO-5 and GEO-6, the LM 2100 space vehicle is the basis for three Next Gen OPIR Block 0 GEO satellites, which are expected to launch starting in 2025; and the future GPS III Follow On (GPS IIIF) satellites, which are expected to launch starting in 2026.

“Completing the production of a complex missile-warning satellite during the challenging COVID environment is a huge accomplishment and is a testament to Lockheed Martin’s professionalism and dedication to the security of our Nation,” said Capt. Alec Cook, the U.S. Air Force‘s Space and Missile Systems Center’s SBIRS GEO-5/6 assembly, test, and launch operations lead

Both SBIRS GEO-5 and GEO-6 are slated to join the U.S. Space Force’s constellation of missile warning satellites, equipped with powerful scanning and staring infrared surveillance sensors, which protect our nation 24-7. These sensors collect data that allow the U.S. military to detect missile launches, support ballistic missile defense, expand technical intelligence gathering and bolster situational awareness on the battlefield.

SBIRS GEO-5 was officially completed on Oct. 29, 2020.