U.S. Air Force accepts SBIRS HEO System for operations
Friday, November 14th, 2008 |The first Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO-1) payload and ground system, built by a Lockheed Martin, has been accepted for operations by the U.S Air Force. SBIRS is designed to provide early warning of missile launches, and simultaneously support other missions including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness.
Acceptance of the HEO-1 system follows a successful operational utility evaluation and trial period during which live HEO data was injected into user operational networks providing critical warning and intelligence data. The evaluation demonstrated the significant new capabilities being delivered to the warfighter through the HEO system. This milestone paves the way for United States Strategic Command’s formal certification of the HEO-1 system next month.
(more…)