Senior leaders from the Air Force's Space Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS) Program Office observed a key test sequence of the Pointing and Control Assembly (PCA) qualification hardware for the SBIRS High payload at the Lockheed Martin Sunnyvale facility.

Artist's concept of the SBIRS High satellite system. Photo: Lockheed Martin

"This successful test is a major accomplishment for the SBIRS High program. SBIRS is the first step in a credible missile defense for America and the PCA test provides the groundwork for victory," Col Mike Booen said.

The PCA hardware supports all SBIRS missions by providing pointing accuracy for the sensor. Initial tests indicate the PCA performance is exceeding requirements. Qualification testing is performed to demonstrate to the Air Force that system requirements have been met.

"The PCA is like the base of a telescope. It doesn't matter how good your telescope is if you can't precisely point it at the star you want to see," Booen explained. "Pointing accuracy is incredibly critical when you're looking at enemy missiles. You have to be accurate and you have to be able to point the sensor quickly. I'm very pleased with the significant progress the team has made in this area. We're on the right path for success."

The PCA hardware is now being prepared for shipment to the Aerojet Corporation payload test facility in Azusa, California where it will be integrated into the SBIRS sensor for the payload qualification program.

The Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) program will provide the nation with critical missile defense and warning capability well into the 21st century. SBIRS is one of the Air Force's highest priority space systems. It is designed to incrementally upgrade and eventually replace the Defense Support Program (DSP).

SBIRS is an integrated "system of systems" with multiple space constellations and an evolving ground element. The legacy Defense Support Program (DSP) satellites will continue to operate and provide data to the nation.

Increment 1 will usher in a consolidated ground segment that will streamline the current software capabilities with an open architecture that will accommodate SBIRS High and Low components as they are fielded. Increment 2 will be marked by the addition of SBIRS High. This component will consist of satellites in geosynchronous earth orbit, and sensors in highly elliptical orbit.

SBIRS Low will be added as part of Increment 3. It will consist of a constellation of satellites in low earth orbit. Together, all these systems will form an integrated SBIRS system of systems providing far greater missile warning capability to the nation and warfighter.

The Space and Missile Systems Center is the center of technical excellence for developing and purchasing military space systems and manages more than $56 billion in contracts. The center has an annual operating budget of more than $5.5 billion and employs about 3,400 people worldwide.