SBIRS hits milestone

SUNNYVALE, Calif. - Lockheed Martin said it's achieved a key integrated test milestone on the second Space-Based Infrared System geosynchronous orbit satellite. SBIRS is designed to provide early warning of missile launches and support other missions. The GEO-2 satellite completed its first phase of Baseline Integrated System Test, which establishes a performance baseline for the remainder of the test program. The spacecraft is planned for launch aboard an Atlas V in 2012. (Source: Lockheed Martin, 02/16/10) Gulf Coast note: Lockheed Martin Mississippi Space and Technology Center at Stennis Space Center, Miss., builds subsystems for the SBIRS.