Lockheed Martin today announced that it has successfully completed development of the Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) Interim Operations software for the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS). This is an important achievement in delivering capability to operate new SBIRS HEO payloads and geosynchronous (GEO) satellites.

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

"This represents a significant milestone for the SBIRS system. HEO Payload data processing will afford greater access to time-sensitive infrared data and is an important step on our path to deliver capabilities for surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance missions," said John Mengucci, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Department of Defense Systems.

"I really appreciate the strong teamwork between the Air Force and Lockheed Martin to make this event possible. This is a tremendous milestone for the entire program," said Colonel Bill Possel, Director, U.S. Air Force SBIRS Combined Task Force.

Since 2001, the SBIRS ground segment has been providing the nation with missile detection, battlefield data, and technical intelligence from the consolidated Mission Control Station at Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado. Air Force crews are providing support to warfighter and homeland defense initiatives, Operation Iraqi Freedom and the global war on terror.

SBIRS, with its highly sophisticated scanning and staring sensors, will provide the nation with improved capabilities to detect and accurately characterize emerging missile threats. Lockheed Martin is currently under contract to provide two HEO payloads and two GEO satellites, as well as ground-based assets to receive and process the infrared data. The Lockheed Martin team has delivered both HEO payloads. The first GEO satellite launch is scheduled for fiscal year 2008.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2005 sales of $37.2 billion.

NOTE TO EDITORS: for low- and high-resolution JPEG image files of SBIRS, please visit our SBIRS web page at: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/sbirs/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin