LIVE: Atlas-V 401 - SBIRS GEO 1 - May 7, 2011

[jacqmans]

PAYLOAD FOR LOCKHEED MARTIN-BUILT MISSILE WARNING SATELLITE COMPLETES EXTENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL TEST PHASE

GEO-1 PAYLOAD READIED FOR DELIVERY FOR START OF INTEGRATION WITH SPACECRAFT

SUNNYVALE, CALIF., July 23, 2007

Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced today that the payload for the first Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous orbit (GEO) spacecraft has successfully completed thermal vacuum testing, a key milestone in preparation for launch of this first-of-its-kind satellite.

SBIRS will provide early warning of ballistic missile launches and support other missions simultaneously, including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace characterization.  Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., the SBIRS prime contractor, and Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Azusa, Calif., the payload subcontractor, are developing SBIRS for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles, Calif.  Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.

The successful test, conducted at Northrop Grumman's Azusa facilities from March 11 to June 15, demonstrated the function and performance of the fully integrated GEO-1 payload in vacuum conditions at temperatures bounding the environments expected when the SBIRS satellite is on orbit.

Key aspects of the test included radiometric performance, simultaneous tasking of both sensors against moving IR targets, on-board target processing against cluttered backgrounds, data downlink formatting and spacecraft interface verification.  Test evaluation shows the GEO sensor will perform in family with the SBIRS HEO payload sensor now on orbit.

The GEO payloads feature a scanning sensor that will provide for short revisit times over its full field of view and a staring sensor that can be tasked for step-stare or dedicated stare operations over smaller areas.  The GEO scanner and other payload components such as the focal plane assembly, and processing algorithms are identical to those used on SBIRS highly elliptical orbit (HEO) payloads, the first of which has completed initial on-orbit deployment and checkout and demonstrated that its performance meets or exceeds specifications.

"This test, performed over a three-month period, is testimony to the team's drive to attain operational excellence and mission success on this vital national security program," said Mark Crowley, Lockheed Martin's SBIRS vice president.  "Our team has completed a series of major milestones and is poised to begin final assembly, integration and test following delivery of the critical payload."

Northrop Grumman will now prepare the payload for delivery to Lockheed Martin's facilities in Sunnyvale, Calif. facilities in early August where it will be integrated with the GEO-1 spacecraft.   Lockheed Martin is currently under contract to provide two HEO payloads and two GEO satellites, as well as the ground-based assets to receive and process the infrared data.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employees about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2006 sales of $39.6 billion.

Contact:
Steve Tatum
408-742-7531;
e-mail [email protected]

NOTE TO EDITORS: for low- and high-resolution JPEG image files of the SBIRS GEO-1 payload and spacecraft, please visit our SBIRS web page at: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/sbirs/

[Jim]

This is not a Delta II mission

[Skyrocket]

It is a Atlas-V 401 mission, not a Delta II

[kevin-rf]

Didn't the origonal DSP's go up on Titan 3/4's. My,My how the payload has shrunk and SBIRS now fits on a 401.

(Of course you should have seen me doing a double take last night when a Delta II was mistakenly listed as the launch vehicle).

So how much is being saved launching on an ATLAS 401 instead of a Titan IV...

[Skyrocket]

I do not have the mass of the SBIRS-GEO sats, but we can make an estamate, as the second SBIRS-GEO is going on a Delta-IVM+(4,2). The fact, that not the smallest Delta IVM is used indicates a launch mass of more than 4210 kg. The upper limit is the capacity of the Atlas-V-401 of 4950 kg.

The comparison with the DSP is not trivial, as the DSP were delivered directly to GEO, while the SBIRS-GEOs will be dropped off in GTO and have to insert themselves into GEO

[WHAP]

SBIRS GEO 1 is not planned to launch in 2007 at this time (not even before the AV-009 issue).  Probably late 08 or early 09.

[Jim]

kevin-rf - 24/7/2007  12:00 PM

Didn't the origonal DSP's go up on Titan 3/4's. My,My how the payload has shrunk and SBIRS now fits on a 401.

(Of course you should have seen me doing a double take last night when a Delta II was mistakenly listed as the launch vehicle).

So how much is being saved launching on an ATLAS 401 instead of a Titan IV...

The last DSP is going on a D-IV heavy.  

SBIRS is split up into GEO, LEO and HEO.  So can't make a direct comparsion

[jacqmans]

NEW MISSILE WARNING SATELLITE BUILT BY LOCKHEED MARTIN PROGRESSING IN CRITICAL TEST PHASE

SUNNYVALE, Calif., , March 19, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced today that the first Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous orbit (GEO-1) spacecraft is progressing through a series of key tests that will demonstrate the integrated satellite's readiness to enter the critical environmental test phase in preparation for launch in late 2009.

SBIRS is designed to provide early warning of missile launches, and simultaneously support other missions including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace characterization.

The test phase, known as Baseline Integrated System Test (BIST), is conducted at Lockheed Martin's Space Systems facilities in Sunnyvale, Calif. and is designed to characterize the overall performance of the GEO-1 satellite and establish a performance baseline prior to entering environmental testing.

The first phase of BIST, which included the GEO-1 spacecraft in an expanded configuration, was completed on Jan. 23, 2008. Following the successful test, the team assembled the satellite into the flight configuration, including the GEO-1 bus and payload and other critical subsystems. A comprehensive test of the integrated satellite is now underway.

Upon the completion of BIST in May, the team will integrate the satellite's solar arrays, deployable light shade, and thermal blankets and then prepare for acoustic and pyroshock testing where the integrated spacecraft will be subjected to the maximum sound and vibration levels expected during launch into orbit.

Prior to the start of environmental testing, the team will also conduct a major test to validate that the SBIRS ground components and the GEO satellite can work together during launch and on-orbit operation.

"Our steady progress in this critical integrated satellite test phase reflects the entire team's hard work and dedication to operational excellence on this vital national security program," said Jeff Smith, Lockheed Martin's SBIRS vice president and GEO-1 program manager."This first-of-its-kind satellite will provide unprecedented new capabilities for our warfighters and we look forward to achieving mission success for our customer."

The team was recently selected by the U.S. Air Force as its nominee for the National Aeronautic Association's 2007 Robert J. Collier Trophy for the successful development, deployment, test and on-orbit operations of the first SBIRS Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) payload.

Considered America's most prestigious award for aeronautical and space development, the Robert J. Collier Trophy is awarded annually for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles, the value of which has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year.

The first HEO payload has demonstrated that its performance meets or exceeds specifications.The test team safely pushed system performance so that data collection and processing results exceeded government specifications in over 95% of cases. Payload sensitivity, initial report time, pointing accuracy, potential for supporting unplanned missions, efficiency and safety were all largely improved by the multi-disciplinary approach this team undertook.

The SBIRS team is led by the Space Based Infrared Systems Wing at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., is the SBIRS prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Azusa, Calif., as the payload subcontractor. Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.

Lockheed Martin is currently under contract to provide two HEO payloads and two GEO satellites, as well as the ground-based assets to receive and process the infrared data.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

NOTE TO EDITORS:for low- and high-resolution JPEG image files of SBIRS, please visit our SBIRS web page at: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/sbirs/

Media Contact: Steve Tatum, 408-742-7531; e-mail, [email protected]

[jacqmans]

LOCKHEED MARTIN ACHIEVES KEY MILESTONE ON NEW MISSILE WARNING SATELLITE

GEO-1 Spacecraft Ready for Environmental Test Phase

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 30, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced today that it has achieved a major integrated test milestone on the first Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous orbit (GEO-1) spacecraft that enables the start of environmental testing in preparation for launch in late 2009.

The GEO-1 satellite, designed to provide new missile detection and surveillance capabilities for the nation, has completed a comprehensive Baseline Integrated System Test (BIST) phase which began in early March to characterize the overall performance of the GEO-1 satellite and establish a performance baseline for entering environmental testing.

"I am proud of our entire team for completing this significant milestone ahead of the planned schedule," said Col Roger Teague, the U.S. Air Force's SBIRS Wing Commander. "We continue to build confidence as we march towards the inaugural launch of this vitally important spacecraft."

With the completion of BIST, the team will integrate the satellite's solar arrays, deployable light shade, and thermal blankets and then prepare for acoustic and pyroshock testing where the integrated space vehicle will be subjected to the maximum sound and vibration levels expected during launch into orbit.

"This comprehensive test confirms our readiness to enter the critical environmental test stage," said Jeff Smith, Lockheed Martin's SBIRS vice president and program manager. "Our team continues to make significant progress on this sophisticated satellite and we look forward to achieving mission success for our customer."

SBIRS is designed to provide early warning of missile launches, and simultaneously support other missions including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace characterization.

The SBIRS team is led by the Space Based Infrared Systems Wing at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., is the SBIRS prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Azusa, Calif., as the payload integrator. Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.

Lockheed Martin's current contract includes two highly elliptical orbit (HEO) payloads and two GEO satellites, as well as ground-based assets to receive and process the infrared data.The Lockheed Martin team has delivered both HEO payloads and the first GEO satellite launch is scheduled for late 2009. The first HEO payload has completed initial on-orbit deployment and checkout and demonstrated that its performance meets or exceeds specifications. The program is in the early stages of adding additional GEO spacecraft and HEO payloads to the planned constellation.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

NOTE TO EDITORS:for low- and high-resolution JPEG image files of SBIRS, please visit our SBIRS web page at: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/sbirs/

Media Contact: Steve Tatum, 408-742-7531; e-mail, [email protected]

[Chris Bergin]

Has related notes on GEO-1:


LOCKHEED MARTIN SBIRS TEAM COMPLETES ON-ORBIT HANDOVER OF FIRST HEO PAYLOAD TO U.S. AIR FORCE

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Aug 5, 2008 – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced today the successful on-orbit handover of the first Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO-1) payload and ground system to the U.S. Air Force in preparation for the start of certified operations later this year. 

SBIRS is designed to provide early warning of missile launches, and simultaneously support other missions including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace characterization.

Announced to be on-orbit in Nov. 2006, the HEO-1 payload has been exceeding performance specifications during an extensive on-orbit test regimen necessary before it can begin on-orbit operations for the user.  The HEO-1 payload and associated ground components will now undergo a final independent operational test and evaluation.

“This major milestone is direct testimony to our entire team's talent and dedication to successfully deliver this vitally important program to the warfighter," said Jeff Smith, Lockheed Martin's SBIRS vice president.  "The improved infrared event detection and reporting capabilities provided by SBIRS are critical to our nation's information and intelligence architecture and we look forward to achieving total mission success for our customer."

The SBIRS team is led by the Space Based Infrared Systems Wing at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., is the SBIRS prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Azusa, Calif., as the payload integrator.  Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.

The U.S. Air Force/Lockheed Martin-led team recently announced that the HEO-2 payload is now on-orbit over the northern hemisphere and that its performance meets or exceeds specifications following early on-orbit checkout.  In addition to detecting ballistic missile launches from northern polar regions, HEO payloads also have improved sensitivity needed to detect dimmer theater missiles and can be tasked to scan other areas of military interest. The HEO-2 payload is expected to begin operations by early 2009.

The HEO sensor provides an unprecedented infrared view of the battlefield that represents the first steps in an evolving battlespace awareness capability while also providing real-time data on missiles, aircraft and other events.

The team is also progressing through key integration and test activities on the first geosynchronous orbit (GEO) spacecraft.  Preparations are now underway to integrate the GEO-1 satellite's solar arrays, deployable light shade, and thermal blankets in preparation for the start of acoustic and pyroshock testing in August when the integrated spacecraft will be subjected to the maximum sound and vibration levels expected during launch into orbit. Thermal vacuum testing of the completed GEO-1 space vehicle, which will validate its performance at temperature extremes greater than those expected during on-orbit operations, is on track for mid-2009 in preparation for launch in Dec. 2009.

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 Information Systems & Global Services builds and maintains the SBIRS ground segment which has been operational since 2001.  Northrop Grumman is the major subcontractor and provides the HEO and GEO payloads and participates in ground system development and systems engineering.

Lockheed Martin's current SBIRS contract includes the two HEO payloads now on-orbit, two GEO satellites, as well as ground-based assets to receive and process the infrared data.  The program is in the early stages of adding additional GEO spacecraft and HEO payloads to the planned constellation.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

[jacqmans]

First SBIRS Satellite With New Flight Software Completes Key Test At Lockheed Martin


SUNNYVALE, Calif., , January 29, 2009 -- The first Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous orbit (GEO-1) satellite, built by a Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] team for the U.S. Air Force, has successfully completed a major test utilizing new flight software that will enable highly reliable spacecraft command and control operations. The SBIRS program is designed to provide early warning of missile launches, and simultaneously support other missions including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness.

The successful test of the GEO-1 spacecraft, known as Baseline Integrated System Test (BIST), was conducted from Jan. 2, to Jan 27, 2009 at Lockheed Martin's Space Systems facilities in Sunnyvale, Calif. The test characterized the performance of the integrated satellite and established a performance baseline prior to entering thermal vacuum testing.

"This achievement is another example of our effective collaboration and joint commitment to successful execution of this critical national system," said Col Roger Teague, the U.S. Air Force's SBIRS Wing Commander. "The team executed a smooth and efficient test, giving us high confidence that we are ready to enter thermal vacuum testing, one of our most critical program milestones."

Lockheed Martin's SBIRS flight software architecture is designed to enable robust command and data handling, fault management and safe-hold capabilities on the GEO satellite system.

"The fully-integrated GEO-1 satellite utilizing our new flight software architecture performed with outstanding results," said Jeff Smith, Lockheed Martin's SBIRS vice president. "We look forward to proceeding with thermal vacuum testing and delivering the first-of-its-kind data from this spacecraft to the warfighter."

The new flight software used during BIST contains applications that control space vehicle electrical power, temperature, attitude and navigation. It also features a robust fault management system, which responds when an anomaly is detected during on-orbit operations, putting the satellite into a safe state while ground operators analyze the situation and take corrective action.

Delivery of the final flight software block is planned for February to support thermal vacuum testing which will validate spacecraft performance at temperature extremes greater than those expected during on-orbit operations. The spacecraft is planned for delivery to the Air Force in fiscal year 2010 in preparation for launch aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle.

The SBIRS team is led by the Space Based Infrared Systems Wing at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., is the SBIRS prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Azusa, Calif., as the payload integrator. Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.

Lockheed Martin's current SBIRS contract includes the two HEO payloads now on-orbit, two GEO satellites, as well as ground-based assets to receive and process the infrared data. The program is in the early stages of adding additional GEO spacecraft and HEO payloads to the planned constellation.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

NOTE TO EDITORS: for low- and high-resolution JPEG image files of SBIRS, please visit our SBIRS web page at: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/sbirs/

Media Contact:
Steve Tatum
408-742-7531
[email protected]

[kevin-rf]

has successfully completed a major test utilizing new flight software that will enable highly reliable spacecraft command and control operations

Not to add one and one and get three, but I wonder if this is some sort reaction to the recent DOD payload losses and to stretch further and get 3 1/2, the losses came down to software issues.

[Jim]

Why is that under GEO, WGS is the next flight

[AnalogMan]

This launch seems to have slipped off the forum radar.

SPACE & MISSILE SYSTEMS CENTER (AFSPC)
Release no: 11-04-04
Date: April 12, 2011

SBIRS GEO-1 Fueled for Launch

LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, El Segundo, Calif. -- The Space Based Infrared Systems team passed a major milestone April 11 with the successful completion of the spacecraft fueling for the GEO-1 satellite.

Space vehicle fueling signifies all spacecraft preparations are complete, and the satellite is ready to be mated with the rocket for an early May launch.

The final decision to fuel was given by Lt. Gen. Tom Sheridan, commander of the Space and Missile Systems Center here, after several detailed readiness reviews were conducted in the months prior to beginning fueling operations.

“The joint government/industry team has made tremendous progress and established exceptional commitment in preparing the first SBIRS GEO spacecraft for launch,” said Brig. Gen. (s) Roger Teague, director of SMC’s Infrared Space Systems Directorate. “The completion of fueling GEO -1 is a strong indication we are moving quickly toward final preparation for launch.”

The SBIRS spacecraft propulsion system is a dual-mode design, which operates as a pressure regulated bipropellant system consisting of fuel and oxidizer and a monopropellant system consisting of hydrazine. Propellants include hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide.

In the bipropellant mode, the system operates with hypergolic propellants, hydrazine (fuel) and nitrogen tetroxide (oxidizer) for high performance during orbital transfer. Once on station, the system operates in monopropellant mode, using only the hydrazine as fuel for simplicity and reliability.

“Fueling of SBIRS GEO-1 is a major milestone, and I am extremely proud of the entire joint government and industry SBIRS team. We have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the program in preparing this spacecraft for launch,” said Jeff Smith, Lockheed Martin’s vice president and SBIRS program director.

The next major milestone for GEO-1 is payload fairing encapsulation and transport to the Vertical Integration Facility where it will be mated to the top of the launch vehicle.

[AnalogMan]

Launch currently scheduled for May 6, lift-off at 2:25 pm EDT (window 2:25 - 3:05 pm EDT).

[jacqmans]

Lockheed Martin-Built Missile Warning Satellite Encapsulated in Launch Vehicle Payload Fairing

Date: 26-Apr-2011 2:47 PM

Team Prepares U.S. Air Force's SBIRS GEO-1 for Early May Liftoff

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The first Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) - built Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-1) spacecraft was encapsulated into its payload fairing April 20 in preparation for an early May liftoff aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

SBIRS GEO-1 will enhance the nation's missile warning capabilities and improve other critical mission areas simultaneously including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness.

The GEO-1 satellite includes highly sophisticated scanning and starring sensors that will deliver enhanced 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 enhanced sensitivity. When GEO-1 is launched, declared operational and its data is fused into the current constellation, SBIRS will deliver unprecedented, global, persistent, taskable infrared surveillance capabilities to the warfighter, nation and allies for decades to come.

The SBIRS team is led by the Infrared Space Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Lockheed Martin is the SBIRS prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman, as the payload integrator. Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.

Media Contact:
Michael Friedman
303-971-7255
[email protected]


For low- and high-resolution JPEG image files of SBIRS, please visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/sbirs

[Skyrocket]

Does anyone know the serial number of this Atlas launch vehicle?

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Does anyone know the serial number of this Atlas launch vehicle?

This hints at AV-022, can't find any direct evidence though.

[Chris Bergin]

ULA:

 All launch preparations are progressing well in support of the Atlas V Space Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS) GEO-1 launch set for Friday, May 6 for the U.S. Air Force. The launch window is 2:14 until 2:54 p.m. EDT. The weather forecast is looking very favorable with an 80 percent chance of acceptable weather! Satellite coordinates and some important event dates surrounding launch can be found below.

[Chris Bergin]

L-1: Thursday, May 5

10:00 a.m.: Atlas V rolls to the pad (I will send pictures shortly after)
12:30 p.m.: Remote camera photographers meet in the Space Florida parking lot for escort to the SLC-41 to set cameras
 

L-0: Friday, May 6

12:30: 45th SW/PA meets media at the Kennedy Space Center Pass and ID Building on State Road 3 for escort to media launch viewing site
13:54: The SBIRS launch will be carried live beginning 20 minutes prior to launch and will conclude approximately 45 minutes following launch. A simulcast of the broadcast can be viewed here:
http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Multimedia_Webcast.shtml

·         14:14 p.m.: Opening of the launch window (2:14 p.m. EDT)

 

Satellite Coordinates

 

ALL TIMES EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME

 

MAY 6, 2011

 

TEST – 1:00 P.M.

BARS AND TONE – 1:23 P.M.

BROADCAST START – 1:54 P.M.

LAUNCH WINDOW – 2:14 – 2:54 P.M.

END TRANSMISSION: 3:45 P.M.

 

SATELLITE – AMC 3

TRANSPONDER – 16C

BAND – C-BAND ANALOG

ORBITAL POSITION – 87 DEGREES W

CARRIER – SES AMERICOM

BANDWIDTH – 36 MHz

UPLINK FREQ – 6245 MHz (Horizontal)

DOWNLINK FREQ – 4020 MHz (Vertical)