The first space-based Infrared system (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-1) spacecraft, built by Lockheed Martin for the US Air Force, was successfully launched on May 6 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. SBIRS GEO-1 is the most technologically advanced military infrared satellite ever developed and will deliver vastly improved missile warning capabilities for the nation while simultaneously improving the nation’s missile defence, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness mission areas.

SBIRS GEO-1 includes highly sophisticated scanning and staring sensors that will deliver improved infrared sensitivity and a reduction in area revisit times over the current constellation. The scanning sensor will provide a wide area surveillance of missile launches and natural phenomena across the earth, while the staring sensor will be used to observe smaller areas of interest with superior sensitivity. These dual independent sensors will enhance early warning of missile launches around the globe, support the nation’s ballistic missile defence system, greatly expand our technical intelligence gathering capability, and bolster situational awareness for warfighters on the battlefield.