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."

FMI: www.af.mil