All systems are operating as expected on the first space-based infrared system (SBIRS) highly elliptical orbit (HEO) payload following a successful on-orbit checkout by a joint U.S. Air Force/Lockheed Martin team. This national defense payload is able to detect ballistic missile launches from northern polar regions as it operates in a highly inclined elliptical orbit. The first of a new generation of SBIRS sensors, this payload has improved sensitivity to detect dim theater missiles and can be tasked to scan off-pole sectors of military interest.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, CA., the SBIRS prime contractor and Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Azusa, CA., the payload subcontractor, are developing SBIRS for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center.

General Kevin Chilton, commander, Air Force Space Command, said, "SBIRS presents a new era of global surveillance with the ability to detect and report events that were previously beyond our capabilities, providing greatly improved support to our combatant commanders."

As the SBIRS prime contractor, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company provides program management, the GEO spacecraft bus, HEO and GEO payload pointing and system engineering and integration. Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems & Solutions builds and maintains the SBIRS ground segment. Northrop Grumman is the major subcontractor and provides the HEO and GEO payloads and participates in ground system development and systems engineering.