Lockheed Martin has announced that it has achieved a key integrated test milestone on the second Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous orbit (GEO-2) spacecraft at its facilities in Sunnyvale, Calif.

SBIRS is designed to provide early warning of missile launches, and simultaneously support other missions including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace characterization.

The GEO-2 satellite, designed to provide new missile detection and surveillance capabilities for the nation, has completed its first phase of Baseline Integrated System Test (BIST-1), an extensive functional test that characterizes the overall performance of the satellite and establishes a performance baseline for the remainder of the test program.

With the completion of BIST-1, the team will proceed with final factory work on the satellite and prepare for the final, comprehensive BIST milestone prior to entering environmental testing. The spacecraft is planned for launch aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle in 2012.

"Concluding the first phase of BIST is another example of the entire government/industry team's commitment to operational excellence and successful execution of this critical national security program," said Dave Sheridan, Lockheed Martin's SBIRS GEO program manager. "We look forward to our continued positive momentum on SBIRS and achieving mission success for our customer."

The first SBIRS spacecraft (GEO-1) completed thermal vacuum testing and is now preparing for final integration and test activities that will culminate with final checkout and delivery to the Air Force later this year.

The SBIRS team is led by the Space Based Infrared Systems Wing at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., is the SBIRS prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Azusa, Calif., as the payload integrator. Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.