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U.S. Plans: New Satellite Ground Control Station Certified The U.S. Air Force certified initial operational capability for a new ground control station that will operate U.S. satellites monitoring missile launches around the world, Lockheed Martin announced today. The ground control system, known as the Mission Control Station, is the first phase of the air force’s Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS), which is a key component in U.S. missile defense plans. The Colorado station is needed to operate both the SBIRS High and Low satellite networks (see GSN, Dec. 19). When these satellites are operational, they will be able to alert U.S. facilities of ballistic missile launches twice as quickly as the current Defense Support Program satellites, according to Lockheed Martin. “This was an extraordinary effort requiring the combined and concerted efforts of the entire contractor and Air Force team,” said Lockheed Martin Vice President Hal Garner. “The SBIRS [Mission Control Station] provides a missile warning capability for our nation that is superior to the legacy systems and offers the efficiency of reduced operating costs. I’m extremely proud to have been a party to this remarkable effort” (Lockheed Martin release, Jan. 8).
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