Despite Problems, SBIRS-High Moves Ahead

Mar 19, 2013 17:00 UTC

SBIRS-High

Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS)-High satellite program is a key component of the USA’s future missile alert system, designed to give maximum warning and monitoring of ballistic missile launches anywhere in the world. The new satellites will replace the existing Defense Support Program (DSP) fleet. Their infrared sensors have 3x the sensitivity of DSP and 2x the revisit rate, while providing better persistent coverage.

Unfortunately, the program has been beset by massive cost overruns on the order of 400%, technical challenges that continue to present problems, and uncertainties about performance. Despite these problems, the U.S. Air Force is proceeding with the program, and has terminated potential alternatives and supplements.

$53.3M for SBIRS-High Program Support

Sep 29, 2005 06:28 UTC

SBIRS-High

SBIRS-High will form the USA’s future front line of detection and defense against incoming ballistic missile launches. See this DID article for coverage of the SBIRS-High program’s trials, tribulations, and occasional successes.

The Headquarter Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles Air Force Base, CA issued the contract has issued a pair of contracts recently for support of the SBIRS program effort at Colorado Springs, CO. Their total value is $53.3 million.

SBIRS Satellite Programs: Aug/05 Developments

Aug 17, 2005 07:49 UTC

SBIRS-High

Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Sunnyvale, CA has received a pair of cost-plus award-fee contract modifications related to the SBIRS satellite programs from the Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles Air Force Base, CA. In related news, the spacecraft core structure and propulasion system for the SBIRS-HIgh satellite has just been delivered.

While SBIRS has had some successful tests and sub-program successes like the AMU, overall SBIRS-High is widely considered to be one of the most troubled satellite programs. It certainly features prominently in controversies and official reports regarding U.S. satellite efforts. Recent SBIRS-High developments include:

$6.5M More for SBIRS High Testing

Jun 15, 2005 04:05 UTC

Lockheed Martin Corp. in Sunnyvale, CA received a $6.5 million contract modification to the existing Space Base Infrared System High component engineering, manufacturing, and development contract. DID has covered the SBIRS High program and some of its problems in a past article.

$12.1M to Support SBIRS Space Sensors

Mar 25, 2005 01:56 UTC

Lockheed Martin Corp. in Sunnyvale, CA received a $12.1 million cost-plus award-fee contract modification to the existing Space Base Infrared System (SBIRS) High engineering, manufacturing and development contract. SBIRS is especially helpful in tracking the heat “plume” from ballistic missile launches, and integrates with the Defense Support Program (DSP) to provide integrated warning systems. This modification provides operational and maintenance support for the Space Based Infrared Systems Increment 1 system that is not currently included in the existing contract. The locations of performance are Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems and Solutions in Boulder, CO and Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. in Boulder, CO. This work will be complete by June 2010. The Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, CA issued this contract (F04701-95-C-0017, P00309).

In related news, Lockheed Martin’s $9.6 billion SBIRS High Component program is now over budget for the third time since 2002, triggering a formal notification to Congress this month because the costs of its third through fifth satellites could jump as much as 25% in FY 2006.