LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, El Segundo, Calif. – The third Space Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS) Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) payload was shipped June 12 to the host space vehicle program. The HEO payload is a high-tech space-based sensor capable of detecting missile launches around the globe. The payload will be integrated with a host spacecraft and prepared for launch.
Prior to shipment, HEO-3 passed many significant production milestones. The payload completed Thermal Vacuum Chamber testing March 30, verifying performance in simulated space environmental extremes. This testing fully demonstrated that the sensor’s performance met or exceeded its predecessor, HEO-2.
The Infrared Space Systems Directorate approved shipping the payload June 11, after completing an extensive series of final readiness reviews. HEO-3 is the first major delivery from the SBIRS Follow-on Production contract, which also includes the third and fourth SBIRS satellites and an additional HEO payload.
“I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of the joint Air Force and contractor team, that worked long hours to ensure HEO-3 satisfied all requirements,” said Maj. Eric Neubert, HEO program manager. “The shipment of this payload meets an important commitment for our production program and keeps us on track to sustain the unprecedented infrared surveillance capabilities that we provide to our warfighters and the Nation.”
As one of the nation’s highest priority space programs, SBIRS delivers global, persistent, and taskable infrared surveillance capabilities to meet 21st century missile-warning demands and simultaneously supports other critical missions including: missile defense, technical intelligence, and battlespace awareness.
The SBIRS development team is led by the Infrared Space Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, LAAFB, Calif. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., is the SBIRS prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Azusa, Calif., as the payload integrator. The 14th Air Force operates the SBIRS system.
