A ULA Atlas V rocket launches the fifth Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit on May 18, 2021. Photo: ULA

United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully launched a missile warning satellite called the Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (SBIRS GEO) Flight 5 on Tuesday for the U.S. Space Force.

A ULA Atlas V rocket in the 421 configuration took off at 1:37 p.m. ET from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Signal acquisition was confirmed approximately 36 minutes after the satellite’s launch, Lockheed Martin reported.

SBIRS GEO-5 was built by Lockheed Martin, and it is the latest satellite to join the Space Force’s orbiting Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) missile warning constellation. It is equipped with scanning and staring surveillance sensors that detect missile launches and support ballistic missile defense.

“The SBIRS program not only represents a new era of overhead infrared surveillance offering vital support to the national defense mission, but also the dedication of space acquisition and production professionals to ensuring the U.S. and its allies have increased global situational awareness,” said Cordell DeLaPena, the Space Force program executive officer for Space Production.

ULA’s next launch is the Space Test Program (STP)-3 mission for the Space Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center, planned for June 23, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.