Lockheed Delivers Orbiter for Use in Space-Based Infrared System Missile Defense Program

Lockheed Martin announced yesterday that it had delivered a payload that will play a critical part in the United States’ next-generation missile warning system (see GSN, May 26).

The Highly Elliptical Orbit payload will be integrated with a host satellite and launched into space to scan the globe for missile launches and other infrared incidents as part of the Space-Based Infrared System, according to a company release.

The Space-Based Infrared System supports missile defense by giving early warning of ballistic missile attacks and providing information to support interceptors, Lockheed said.

Once fully operational, the Space-Based Infrared System will comprise four satellites in geosynchronous orbit, two in highly elliptical orbit, and fixed and mobile ground-based components to receive information (Lockheed Martin release, Sept. 29).

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