Stennis Space Center, MS, USA
component assembly
The Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) program is a
global satellite system designed to be used for missile
warning, missile defense, technical intelligence, and
battlespace characterization. It consists of high altitude
(SBIRS High) and low altitude (SBIRS Low) components.
SBIRS-H includes satellites in geosynchronous earth orbits
and infrared sensors in Highly Elliptical Earth Orbits. SBIRS-L
includes sensors on satellites in Low Earth Orbits. The
propulsion subsystem was developed and tested at
Lockheed Martin's Mississippi Space & Technology Center,
MS. The subsystem consists of 18 reaction engine
assemblies, a fuel tank, two oxidizer tanks, and a liquid
apogee engine. The design is based on Lockheed Martin's
flight-proven A2100 geosynchronous spacecraft series.