SBIRS Evaluating New Technologies (updated)
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DID has discussed the ongoing project issues with the USA’s “SBIRS High” missile launch early-warning satellites, which aim to replace the existing DSP fleet. Massive cost overruns, technical challenges that continue to present problems, and uncertain performance all factor into the equation. Yet their mission – to detect ballistic missile launches and so serve as the critical first stage of the USA’s national early warning system – is too critical to abandon. What to do?
While some progress has been made on SBIRS-High, the search for alternative technologies is now well underway in a program called AIRSS the Alternate InfraRed Satellite System. The effort continues to progress, as Raytheon reports early success and additional risk reduction contracts are being issued…
- For Every Action… (SBIRS-High: From $4B to $10+B)
- Reaction: AIRSS & the “Full-Earth Sharing Sensor Assembly”
- AIRSS Contracts & Key Events
- Additional Readings
Gain immediate access to news and developments with Defense Industry Insider coverage of the Alternative Infrared Satellite System, a potential substitute or supplement to the USA's over-budget Space Based Infrared System program. When you subscribe, our cross-linked article network and reference materials include:
- SBIRS program review by the GAO: "Costs for DOD space acquisitions over the past several decades have consistently been underestimatedósometimes by billions of dollars. For example, Space Based Infrared System High program costs were originally estimated at $4 billion, but the program is now estimated to cost over $10 billion."
- Discussion of escalating program costs and a comparison of the Alternate Infrared Satellite System (AIRSS) program and SBIRS
- Contract news concerning Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics Raytheon, Science Applications International Corp., and others
- Links to related articles from the DII library including: "Lockheed's SBIRS High Satellite Program Bracing for a Fall," "DSP Satellites: Supporting America's Early-Warning System"
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