Australia to Get Access to U.S. SBIRS Data

The United States has granted Australia access to information about the development of its Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS), a satellite network intended to provide advanced warning of ballistic missile launches worldwide, the Australian Associated Press reported yesterday (see GSN, Jan. 20).

SBIRS is expected to become part of the fledgling U.S. antiballistic missile system, AAP reported.

It would provide warning of a missile attack on Australia, along with information regarding nearby missile proliferation.

“Since 1996-97 DSTO (Australia’s Defense Science and Technology Organization) has assisted in maintaining full knowledge of SBIRS as a capability for detecting Australian targets of interest,” said Australian Defense Minister Robert Hill.

Due to delays and cost overruns, the first of the satellites is not expected to enter service until 2007, according to AAP.

Hill said Australia has contributed an average of more than $200,000 annually since 1996-97 for research and development of the system (Australian Associated Press/Yahoo!News, Aug. 23).

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