Lockheed Martin Corp. [LMT] handed over the first Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO-1) payload and ground system to the Air Force, the company announced.

Certified operations begin later this year.

SBIRS is designed to provide early warning of missile launches, and simultaneously support other missions including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace characterization.

Launched in 2006, the craft "has been exceeding performance specifications during an extensive on-orbit test regimen necessary before it can begin on-orbit operations," Lockheed stated.

SBIRS now will undergo a final independent operational test and evaluation.

The SBIRS team is led by the Space Based Infrared Systems Wing at the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., is the SBIRS prime contractor.

Northrop Grumman Corp. [NOC] unit Electronic Systems of Azusa, Calif., is the payload integrator. Air Force Space Command operates SBIRS.

The U.S. Air Force/Lockheed Martin-led team recently announced that the HEO-2 payload is now on-orbit over the northern hemisphere and that its performance meets or exceeds specifications following early on-orbit checkout.

In addition to detecting ballistic missile launches from northern polar regions, HEO payloads also have improved sensitivity needed to detect dimmer theater missiles and can be tasked to scan other areas of military interest, Lockheed stated. The HEO-2 payload is expected to begin operations by early next year.

The HEO sensor provides an unprecedented infrared view of the battlefield that represents the first steps in an evolving battlespace awareness capability while also providing real-time data on missiles, aircraft and other events.

Progress also is seen on key integration and test activities on the first geosynchronous orbit (GEO) spacecraft. Preparations are now underway to integrate the GEO-1 satellite’s solar arrays, deployable light shade, and thermal blankets in preparation for the start of acoustic and pyroshock testing in August, when the integrated spacecraft will be subjected to the maximum sound and vibration levels expected during launch into orbit. Thermal vacuum testing of the completed GEO-1 space vehicle, which will validate its performance at temperature extremes greater than those expected during on-orbit operations, is on track for the middle of next year in preparation for an ensuing December launch.

As the SBIRS prime contractor, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company provides program management, the GEO spacecraft bus, HEO and GEO payload pointing, and system engineering and integration. Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Services builds and maintains the SBIRS ground segment which has been operational since 2001. Northrop Grumman is the major subcontractor and provides the HEO and GEO payloads and participates in ground system development and systems engineering. Lockheed Martin’s current SBIRS contract includes the two HEO payloads now on-orbit, two GEO satellites, as well as ground-based assets to receive and process the infrared data. The program is in the early stages of adding additional GEO spacecraft and HEO payloads to the planned constellation.