Lockheed delivers orbital defence software

has successfully completed development of the Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) Interim Operations software for the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS).

SBIRS is a US defence initiative designed to provide early warning of missile launches, and support other missions simultaneously, including missile defence, technical intelligence and battleground surveillance.

“This represents a significant milestone for the SBIRS system. HEO Payload data processing will afford greater access to time-sensitive infrared data and is an important step on our path to deliver capabilities for surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance missions,” said John Mengucci, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Department of Defense Systems.

Since 2001, the SBIRS ground segment has provided missile detection, battlefield data, and technical intelligence from the consolidated Mission Control Station at Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado.

SBIRS employs scanning and staring sensors to provide improved capabilities to detect and accurately identify emerging missile threats. Lockheed Martin is currently under contract to provide two HEO payloads and two GEO satellites, as well as ground-based assets to receive and process the infrared data. The Lockheed Martin team has delivered both HEO payloads. The first GEO satellite launch is scheduled for fiscal year 2008.