AURORA, Colo., May 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin
[NYSE: LMT] has crossed the threshold from development to testing
on the next-generation ground system, called Increment 2, for the
Air Force's Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) after successfully
integrating significant software and hardware to the station. Once
operational, Increment 2 will increase SBIRS' overall ability to
manage complex, emerging threats while reducing Air Force
operations and maintenance costs.
The milestone was completed in March at the Mission Control
Station (MCS) on Buckley Air Force Base, demonstrating Increment
2's maturity as it enters certification testing.
"Increment 2 is on target to replace the legacy system by 2016
with significant performance improvements," said David Sheridan, Lockheed Martin vice president
and SBIRS program director. "Consolidating operations into a
centralized SBIRS ground system will enable warfighters to more
efficiently monitor worldwide threats and alert responders for
immediate action."
The legacy ground system operates from three different locations
to manage the Defense Support Program (DSP), SBIRS Geosynchronous
Orbit satellites and Highly Elliptical Orbit hosted sensor
payloads. The Increment 2 ground station will consolidate those
separate operations into one control station to command the global,
persistent infrared surveillance provided by SBIRS.
Completing the development of SBIRS Increment 2 follows the
successful live commanding of DSP and SBIRS satellites and payloads
earlier this year. During a three-day test, the U.S. Air Force's
460th Operations Group used Increment 2 to individually transmit
and receive commands to and from each of the DSP and SBIRS assets
on orbit from the MCS.
"An effective ground station has to reliably process and quickly
deliver data," said Vinny Sica,
Lockheed Martin vice president of Space Ground Solutions. "After
the Air Force's commanding test we know that Increment 2 can
effectively communicate with DSP and SBIRS satellites and payloads.
The transition to testing brings the new, efficient ground station
nearer to certified operation supporting national security."
For additional information, visit our website:
www.lockheedmartin.com/sbirs.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a
global security and aerospace company that employs approximately
112,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the
research, design, development, manufacture, integration and
sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
The Corporation's net sales for 2014 were $45.6 billion.
Media Contact:
SBIRS Program: Mikel Savides, +1
408-742-5605; mikel.savides@lmco.com
SBIRS Ground: Colin Thorn, +1
703-466-2219; colin.thorn@lmco.com
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin