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SBIRS-High
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The 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 infared sensors have 2 times the revisit rate and 3 times the sensitivity of DSP, while providing better persistent coverage.

Unfortunately, the program has been beset by massive cost overruns, technical challenges that continue to present problems, and uncertain performance. Despite its problems, the U.S. Air Force is proceeding with the program, even as it examines potential alternatives and supplements.

DID has more on the current state of the SBIRS-High program and its budgets, and covers recent contract awards…

SBIRS – High: Current State

SBIRS-High GEO
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Lockheed Martin is under currently contract to produce the satellites and payloads, and Northrop Grumman is the subcontracted payload integrator.

SBIRS-High GEO are satellites. SBIRS-High HEO are payloads hosted on spacecraft with classified launch dates. At present, 2 are in service. The first SBIRS High HEO payload was declared operational in November 2008, and the first SBIRS-High GEO satellite is expected to launch in 2010, after significant delays.

According to US GAO auditors, the SBIRS program has suffered from immature technologies, unclear requirements, unstable funding, underestimated software complexity, poor oversight, and other problems that have resulted in billions of dollars in cost overruns and years in schedule delays. The cost of the program has ballooned from an original $4 billion estimate to over $12 billion. The GAO’s 2009 Assessments of Selected Weapons Programs had this to say:

“Two of the SBIRS High program’s three critical technologies are mature – a lower level of maturity than last year…. the program has experienced design-related problems, especially with the flight software, and more could still emerge…. Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) assessments indicate that the contractor’s cost and schedule performance are high risks. DCMA is currently projecting a $103 million cost overrun at contract completion, and that amount is growing. Further contractor cost increases and schedule delays are expected…”

The FY 2009 defense budget allocated $2.34 billion to SBIRS-High, including $1.79 billion for 2 satellites.

The FY 2010 budget allocation of $1.01 billion cuts proposed SBIRS-High procurement from 2 satellites to 1. It also intends to fund long-lead materials for the 4th SBIRS-High GEO satellite, the HEO-4 payload, and vehicle integration for the HEO-3 & HEO-4 payloads.

Because of continuing problems with SBIRS, the American DoD began a parallel effort in 2006 known as the Alternative Infrared Satellite System (AIRSS). AIRSS was intended to ensure that the nation’s missile-warning and defense capabilities can be sustained even in SBIRS-High failed. It may also wind up providing a less expensive supplement to the SBIRS-High constellation. “SBIRS Evaluating New Technologies” (subscription) provides more information on AIRSS.

Contracts and Key Events

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Sept 1/09: A $99.5 million modified contract to Lockheed Martin for the existing engineering, manufacturing, and development contract for the SBIRS-High Component. The Space Based Infrared Systems Wing at the Los Angeles Air Force Base in CA manages the contract (F04701-95-C-0017, P00583). For more DID coverage of this contract, click here.

July 10/09: A $262.5 million contract to Lockheed Martin for long-lead time parts and materials used to build the 4th SBIRS-High satellite (GEO-4) and the 4th HEO payload (HEO-4). At this time $137.1 million has been committed by the Space Based Infrared Systems Wing at Los Angeles Air Force Base, CA (FA8810-08-C-0002).

These long-lead effort contracts tend to precede a production contract by a year or more, in order to ensure that required components are already on hand and do not delay assembly.

May 29/09: A cost-plus-fixed-fee contract of up to $1.49 billion to prime contractor Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Sunnyvale, CA for production of the 3rd SBIRS-High satellite (GEO-3, a geosynchronous orbit design), the 3rd payload (HEO-3, a Highly Elliptical Orbit design), and modification of the SBIRS ground systems to accommodate the operation of 3 payloads at the same time.

So far, $1.1 billion has been obligated under the May 29/09 contract. The Space and Missile Center’s Space Based Infrared Systems Wing in El Segundo, CA manages the SIBRS-High contract (FA8810-08-C-0002). See also Lockheed Martin release on the May 29/09 contract.

March 31/09: The US Government Accountability Office auditors release their 2009 Assessments of Selected Weapons Programs. SBIRS – High is one of the programs reviewed, and the report expresses concern about its progress.

Additional Readings

• Lockheed Martin – Space Based Infrared System – High (SBIRS High)

• MissileThreat.com – Space-Based Infrared System-High (SBIRS-High)

• GAO (Sept 12/07, #GAO-07-1088R) – Space Based Infrared System High Program and its Alternative. Testimony before the Senate Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee.

• DID (Jan 17/06) – Lockheed’s SBIRS High Satellite Program Bracing for a Fall

• Space Now (Dec 19/05) – Pentagon Scales Back SBIRS Program

• DID (Aug 4/05) – GAO Report: Satellite Programs Show Overruns Across the Board

• DID (April 15/05) – SBIRS Dilemma: Go High or Go Home

• DID – DSP Satellites: Supporting America’s Early-Warning System