Tue, May 10, 2011
Infrared System Will Eventually Replace 1960's Vintage
Constellation
The U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing successfully launched a
United Launch Alliance-built Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch
Vehicle at 1410 EDT Saturday today from Space Complex 41.
The Atlas V rocket carried into orbit the Space Based Infrared
System (SBIRS) GEO-1 satellite. This SBIRS GEO launch begins the
replacement of the Defense Support Program (DSP) constellation,
which has been in operations since 1960. SBIRS will provide
critical functions for protecting the United States and its allies
by supporting four mission areas: Missile Warning (MW), Missile
Defense (MD), Battlespace Awareness (BA), and Technical
Intelligence (TI).
Gen. William Shelton, Air Force Space Command commander,
highlighted this launch was the culmination of many years of hard
work and a tremendous team effort. "Last year, we celebrated the
40th anniversary of DSP. Today, we launched the next generation
missile warning capability. It's taken a lot of hard work by the
government-industry team and we couldn't be more proud. We look
forward to this satellite providing superb capabilities for many
years to come," said General Shelton.
Brig. Gen. Ed Wilson, commander, 45th Space Wing, said the
entire 45th Space Wing team was also pleased to be a part of this
milestone launch.
"The teamwork across the Air Force Space Command made this
launch a success and is another example of how our Air Force
delivers assured space launch, range and combat capabilities for
the nation," General Wilson said. "On a personal note, it is
tremendously gratifying to be involved in the fielding of this
next-generation SBIRS capability since my father was involved in
the operational standup of the original DSP capability in the early
1970s while he was on active duty."
More News
From 2023 (YouTube Version): Legacy of a Titan Robert (Bob) Anderson Hoover was a fighter pilot, test pilot, flight instructor, and air show superstar. More so, Bob Hoover was an i>[...]
Get The Latest in Aviation News NOW on Instagram Are you on Instagram yet? It's been around for a few years, quietly picking up traction mostly thanks to everybody's new obsession >[...]
Aero Linx: B-52H Stratofortress The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic spee>[...]
Altimeter Setting The barometric pressure reading used to adjust a pressure altimeter for variations in existing atmospheric pressure or to the standard altimeter setting (29.92).>[...]
"Knowing that we play an active part in bettering people's lives is extremely rewarding. My team and I are very thankful for the opportunity to be here and to help in any way we ca>[...]