LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, El Segundo, Calif. -- The U.S. Air Force's first geosynchronous Space Based Infrared Systems satellite successfully completed acoustic testing Oct.17 at the development site in Sunnyvale, Calif., bringing unprecedented early missile warning capability one step closer to the warfighter.

Credit: Lockheed Martin Space Systems

Geosynchronous orbit refers to an orbit in which the satellite maintains its relative position to the earth as the earth rotates, i.e., it always stays above the same place on the earth's surface.

SBIRS is the nation's next generation early missile warning system replacing the legacy Defense Support Program satellite with unrivaled missile warning capability; delivering a new generation of space-based satellites providing missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness to combatant commanders. SBIRS is revolutionizing space based infrared monitoring of the earth with its wide field of view, increased sensitivity, fast revisit rate and persistent presence.

"This milestone is a major accomplishment for the SBIRS program and a major risk-reduction activity for the first geosynchronous spacecraft," said Lt. Col. Heath Collins, commander of the SBIRS Space Squadron, a part of the SBIRS Wing.

"I am very proud of the combined efforts of the government and contractor team as they overcame a number of last-minute challenges to ensure a smooth and successful test."

Lt. Col. Collins is responsible for the geosynchronous spacecraft procurement, integration, test and launch activities.