SBIRS-GEO 3 (USA 273)

Launch data:

Spacecraft data: Prime manufacturer  Lockheed Martin Systems Platform  A2100M Operator  USAF Mass at launch  ~4500 kg Dry Mass   kg Basic shape   Dimension (m)   Equipment  2 SBIRS sensors Solar array  2 deployable solar arrays Stabilization  3-axis stabilized Propulsion  LEROS-1C DC power   Design lifetime  12 yrs

SBIRS GEO-3 is encapsulated at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, Jan. 10 preparation for its scheduled Jan. 19 launch. (Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin)

Location:

Description:

• SBIRS-GEO (Space Based Infra Red Sensor - Geostationary) is the geostationary component of the SBIRS-High program, which will replace the DSP system of early warning satellites in providing early warning for Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launches.
• The SBIRS sensors are designed to provide greater flexibility and sensitivity than DSP and can detect short-wave and expanded mid-wave infrared signals allowing the system to perform a broader set of missions. These enhanced capabilities will result in improved prediction accuracy for global strategic and tactical warfighters.
• The SBIRS-GEO spacecraft is a 3-axis stabilized A2100M platform with a scanning sensor and a staring sensor. Sensor pointing is accomplished with pointing mirrors within the telescopes. The GEO scanning sensor will provide a shorter revisit time than DSP over its full field of view, while the staring sensor will be used for step-stare or dedicated stare operations over smaller areas

Mission details:

• Atlas AV-066 launched the third SBIRS GEO early warning sat into geotransfer orbit on Jan 21, 2017. SBIRS GEO uses an infrared telescope to detect missile launches.

External links:

• Lockheed Martin: Satellite Information
• Satellite tracking (n2ya.com): Real time satellite tracking