|
Ground station that controls SBIRS missile-tracking satellite network goes on line in Colorado
JANUARY 7, 17:15 EST
AURORA, Colo. -- A new station that operates the nation's network of missile-tracking satellites used to detect and track missile launches around the world has achieved initial operating capability, U.S. Air Force officials announced Jan. 7.
The Mission Control Station (MCS), located at Buckley Air National Guard Base in Aurora, Colo., is the first major phase to be fielded of the three increments in the Air Force Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) -- an important element of the country's missile defense system.
The MCS, built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems and Northrop Grumman, consolidates three old ground stations into one SBIRS ground station. It establishes the foundation for the SBIRS High and Low satellite constellations, which when deployed defense leaders of missile launches twice as fast as the current Defense Support Program (DSP) system, Lockheed Martin officials say.
The companies also trained the military personnel who operate the system, and will be installing a back-up control station in an alternate location. In June 2001, the Mission Control Station entered an evaluation period and began performing primary command and control operations for the DSP satellites.
SBIRS will provide new worldwide missile detection and tracking capabilities using several different space components and an evolving ground element, Lockheed Martin officials say.
SBIRS High will add four satellites in geosynchronous earth orbit and two sensors in highly elliptical orbit. SBIRS Low will add 20 to 30 satellites in low earth orbit to provide mid-course missile tracking.
Military & Aerospace Electronics
| 
Community 
| View all PennWell sites | View all PennWell events
Add RSS Feed