L3 Space & Sensors announced today that it has successfully completed acoustic testing on the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Wide Field of View (WFOV) program optical payload built by L3. This test was a joint venture of the Space and Missile Systems Center Remote Sensing Systems Directorate (SMC/RS) and its partners, L3 Technologies and Millennium Space Systems. A new and innovative testing method was used to recreate the sound and vibrational pressures that an actual payload is subject to during launch, verifying the WFOV payload will survive such launch pressures.
The successful acoustic testing is a significant milestone that will keep WFOV on track for launch. As part of the SMC’s Space Modernization Initiative (SMI) for the Air Force’s Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) mission, the WFOV demonstrator will test advanced designs to continuously monitor up to one-third of the Earth’s surface in view of the Geosynchronous Earth Orbiting satellite. It will enhance capabilities to detect threats to the U.S. and our allies and will provide mission risk reduction for the next-generation OPIR program.
“This type of innovation is part of the rapid transformation going on at L3 Technologies. We are strengthening our teams and working collaboratively to effectively build upon our competitive advantages,” said Bob Kline, President of L3 Space & Sensors. “This innovative test for our USAF customer is a perfect example of the way we are accelerating our ability to address our customers’ increasingly complex needs.”
As part of the test, the spacecraft assembly was blasted for a full minute from all sides with sound pressure simulating a rocket launch, which is approximately six times louder than a large rock concert. This was accomplished by assembling a 17-foot-high circular wall of speakers and placing the payload on top of a simulated spacecraft bus. The outcome of the test confirms WFOV is ready for launch and adds a rapid, reduced risk testing method for future payloads.
Once launched, the WFOV will gather on-orbit phenomenology and background scene information that is critical to maturing OPIR ground system algorithms and staring sensor technologies. Helping to steer and inform the next generation of Missile Warning, WFOV has already provided sensor design, production and performance lessons to the Air Force and Industry.
Work on this milestone test was performed at L3’s SSG division in Wilmington, Massachusetts. SSG, a part of L3’s Space & Sensors sector, provides space payloads and optical systems for next-generation Earth imaging, missile defense, space situational awareness, science, weather and laser communications. L3 SSG has 250 employees at its Wilmington, Mass. facility and is a division of L3 Technologies. To learn more about L3 SSG, please visit the company’s website at www.L3T.com/ssg.
L3 Technologies is an agile innovator and leading provider of global ISR, communications and electronic systems for military, homeland security and commercial aviation customers. With headquarters in New York City and approximately 31,000 employees worldwide, L3 develops advanced defense technologies and commercial solutions in pilot training, aviation security, night vision and EO/IR, weapons, maritime systems and space. The company reported 2017 sales of $9.6 billion. To learn more about L3, please visit the company’s website at www.L3T.com.
