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Northrop Grumman Completes Key Element of Nation's Next-Generation Missile Warning System

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Northrop Grumman Corporation has announced the completion of mechanical and electrical integration work for a key element of the nation's next-generation missile warning system, the payload for the first Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous-orbit satellite. The payload features separate scanning and staring sensors, designed to detect intercontinental ballistic missile threats and theatre missiles, respectively.

Key Takeaways:

  • Northrop Grumman completed the ambient functional test of the payload in two months, enabling the GEO-1 satellite payload test program to move forward to the engineering thermal vacuum test phase.
  • The ambient functional test included 19 separate test procedures, which checked out the payload test equipment and payload test software.
  • The payload features separate scanning and staring sensors, with the scanning sensor designed for continuous observation and surveillance of traditional intercontinental ballistic missile threats.
  • The staring sensor is designed to detect very low signature, short-burn-duration theatre missiles and recently completed its flight-acceptance test, outperforming contractual requirements.
  • Analysis of the test data showed that the staring sensor improves early missile detection at and just after launch, enabling warfighters to respond more quickly with more accurate and earlier tracking information.
  • The SBIRS High program will comprise two payloads in highly elliptical orbit, four satellites in geosynchronous orbit, as well as fixed and mobile ground-based assets to receive and process infrared data.
  • The team has delivered both HEO payloads and is on track to begin final integration and test later this year in preparation for launch aboard an Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle in fiscal year 2008.
  • SBIRS High already provides the nation with enhanced worldwide missile-detection and tracking capabilities, battlefield data, and technical intelligence through its consolidated ground segment operations.

Statistics:

  • 100,000 lines of prototype flight software were integrated into the payload hardware.
  • 19 separate test procedures were executed during the ambient functional test.
  • The staring sensor outperformed contractual requirements during its flight-acceptance test.
  • The SBIRS High program will comprise six satellites in geosynchronous orbit and two payloads in highly elliptical orbit.
  • The team has delivered two HEO payloads and is on track to begin final integration and test later this year.

Sources:

  • Northrop Grumman Corp.
  • Lockheed Martin Corp.
  • U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif.
  • Air Force Space Command, Buckley Air Force Base, Colo.
  • PrimeZone, www.primezone.com
  • Comtex News Network, Inc.

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