[Satellite Today – 3-20-08] The first Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) spacecraft has passed the first phase of the baseline integrated system test and is undergoing a test of the integrated satellite, Lockheed Martin announced March 19.
    SBIRS, which is designed to provide early warning of missile launches as well as support other missions including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace characterization, passed the first phase of the system test Jan. 23. The test is designed to characterize the overall performance of the GEO-1 satellite and establish a performance baseline prior to entering environmental testing.
    The baseline will be completed in May, when the satellite will have its solar arrays, deployable light shade and thermal blankets integrated and be prepared for acoustic and pyroshock testing, where the integrated spacecraft will be subjected to the maximum sound and vibration levels expected during launch into orbit.