FROM: U.S. AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND
An Air Force Space Based Infrared Systems GEO-1 payload is launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket May 7, 2011, from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. SBIRS is designed to provide global, overhead, persistent, infrared surveillance capability to meet 21st century demands in mission areas including missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness. (Courtesy photo/Pat Corkery, United Launch Alliance)
AFSPC Milestone: First Space Based Infrared System satellite launch
8/12/2012 - Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. -- As Air Force Space Command approaches its 30th Anniversary on 1 Sep, here is a significant milestone from the command's history...
On 7 May 2011, the first Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) GEO-1 satellite was launched on an Atlas V from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla. SBIRS will augment and gradually replace the Defense Support Program satellites over the next several years, providing persistent surveillance capabilities to detect missile launches around the globe, support the nation's ballistic missile defense system, expand technical intelligence, and gather and bolster situational awareness for warfighters on the battlefield.
SBIRS will provide unprecedented global, persistent infrared surveillance capabilities to our warfighters and the nation by consolidating operational military and technical intelligence requirements into a single space program supporting national leadership and U.S. allies.
