Lockheed Martin Space Systems of Sunnyvale, Calif., said Feb. 16 that the second Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) missile-warning satellite completed the first phase of baseline integrated-system testing.
The milestone clears the way for Lockheed Martin to proceed with final factory work on the satellite and prepare for a final, comprehensive baseline integrated-system test before moving the geostationary satellite into environmental testing.
The spacecraft, dubbed GEO-2, is slated to launch in 2012 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket.
The first SBIRS spacecraft, GEO-1, has completed thermal vacuum testing and is expected to be delivered to the U.S. Air Force later this year, Lockheed said in a press release.
