Lockheed Martin announced today that it has successfully completed a critical end-to-end test between the space and ground elements of the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS), a key milestone in preparation for launch and on-orbit operations of the program's first geosynchronous orbit (GEO) spacecraft.

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

The successful test demonstrated the ability of the system's ground components to work together during operation of the first SBIRS GEO satellite. The Interim Mission Control Station Backup in Boulder, Colo., the Lockheed Martin SBIRS Auxiliary Support Center in Sunnyvale, Northrop Grumman's Satellite Payload Operational Test Station and the satellite Functional Test Assembly participated in this key interface test.

"This test simulated command and control of the GEO spacecraft with the SBIRS ground control elements," said Mark Crowley, Lockheed Martin's SBIRS vice president. "Results were outstanding, and our team continues to move forward to deliver this vitally important satellite and sustain the on-orbit missile surveillance satellite constellation for the nation."

Lockheed Martin is currently under contract to provide two payloads in highly elliptical orbit (HEO) and two GEO satellites, as well as ground-based assets to receive and process the infrared data. The first HEO payload has completed on-orbit deployment and checkout and has demonstrated that its performance meets or exceeds specifications. The first GEO-1 satellite is in production at Lockheed Martin's facility in Sunnyvale and set to begin final integration this month following delivery of the payload. The Air Force has recently announced plans to procure two additional SBIRS payloads and a third GEO satellite, with an option for a fourth GEO satellite.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., the SBIRS prime contractor, and Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Azusa, Calif., the payload subcontractor, are developing SBIRS for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles, Calif. Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employees about 140,000 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 2006 sales of $39.6 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin