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Northrop Grumman Corp. delivered the final laser-gyro reference systems for the U.S. Air Force‘s Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) program to prime contractor Lockheed Martin Corp., Northrop Grumman announced.

The Common Gyro Reference Assembly provides precision pointing information to the payload instruments, which enables the SBIRS spacecraft to accomplish its mission. Lockheed Martin will integrate the reference systems with the pointing and control assemblies for the spacecraft.

SBIRS is the nation’s next-generation missile-warning system and will provide improved coverage and advanced sensing capabilities. In addition to detecting missile launches around the globe, the system will also provide greatly expanded capabilities for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.