Space
U.S. Air Force Launches Missile Defense Satellite Today with Atlas V Rocket (Video)
Catherine Griffin
First Posted: Mar 20, 2013 12:48 PM EDT
The United States is getting a new warning system when it comes to detecting incoming missiles. On Tuesday, the U.S. Air Force launched the second satellite in the next-generation warning constellation that will help bolster national security.
The satellite, named GEO-2, is just the second satellite that will remain in geosynchronous orbit in the Space Infrared System (SBIRS). It will allow officials to better use infrared surveillance from space. In total, the SBIRS will include four dedicated satellites with infrared sensors and will also include ground stations to receive, process and distribute the data that the satellites collect.
Propelled by a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, the satellite joined the GEO-1, which has already taken its place in orbit.
"Once in orbit, it will park in geosynchronous orbit and scan and stare at the Earth's surface 24 [hours a day], 7 [days a week], 365 [days a year] to provide early warning of missile launches, helping to protect our nation and allies," said Lockhead Martin spokesman Michael Friedman in an interview with The Denver Post.
While this system is no doubt useful, it has also faced quite a few setbacks. A report released by the Government Accountability Office called SBIRS one of "the most troubled programs" when it came to cost overruns. In fact, the program costs have skyrocketed by 231 percent--each satellite that is launched costs about $3 billion, according to The Denver Post.
It's not only the costs that have plagued the program, though. The GEO-1, launched in May 2011, has demonstrated an intermittent communications glitch. According to officials, though, the issue is unlikely to resurface in GEO-2.
So when is the next satellite launch? The Air Force plans to place GEO-3 into orbit in 2015. The fourth one will follow about a year later. The Air Force also plans to create a fifth and sixth satellite. The production contracts for these two satellites are expected to be issued later this year.
Want to see the launch of the newest satellite? Check it out on the video here.
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First Posted: Mar 20, 2013 12:48 PM EDT
The United States is getting a new warning system when it comes to detecting incoming missiles. On Tuesday, the U.S. Air Force launched the second satellite in the next-generation warning constellation that will help bolster national security.
The satellite, named GEO-2, is just the second satellite that will remain in geosynchronous orbit in the Space Infrared System (SBIRS). It will allow officials to better use infrared surveillance from space. In total, the SBIRS will include four dedicated satellites with infrared sensors and will also include ground stations to receive, process and distribute the data that the satellites collect.
Propelled by a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, the satellite joined the GEO-1, which has already taken its place in orbit.
"Once in orbit, it will park in geosynchronous orbit and scan and stare at the Earth's surface 24 [hours a day], 7 [days a week], 365 [days a year] to provide early warning of missile launches, helping to protect our nation and allies," said Lockhead Martin spokesman Michael Friedman in an interview with The Denver Post.
While this system is no doubt useful, it has also faced quite a few setbacks. A report released by the Government Accountability Office called SBIRS one of "the most troubled programs" when it came to cost overruns. In fact, the program costs have skyrocketed by 231 percent--each satellite that is launched costs about $3 billion, according to The Denver Post.
It's not only the costs that have plagued the program, though. The GEO-1, launched in May 2011, has demonstrated an intermittent communications glitch. According to officials, though, the issue is unlikely to resurface in GEO-2.
So when is the next satellite launch? The Air Force plans to place GEO-3 into orbit in 2015. The fourth one will follow about a year later. The Air Force also plans to create a fifth and sixth satellite. The production contracts for these two satellites are expected to be issued later this year.
Want to see the launch of the newest satellite? Check it out on the video here.
See Now: NASA's Juno Spacecraft's Rendezvous With Jupiter's Mammoth Cyclone