USA-315

Last updated
USA-315
NamesSBIRS GEO-5
Space-Based Infrared System GEOstationary-5
Mission type Infrared early warning
IRINT
Operator United States Air Force / United States Space Force
COSPAR ID 2021-042A
SATCAT no. 48618
Website https://www.spaceforce.mil/
Mission duration12 years (planned)
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft type SBIRS GEO
Bus LM2100
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Space
Launch mass4,500 kg (9,900 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date18 May 2021
Launch site Air Force Eastern Test Range, Florida, United States [1]
Orbital parameters
Regime Geostationary orbit [1]
Instruments
2 SBIRS infrared sensors
 

USA-315, also known as SBIRS GEO-5, is a military satellite developed as a part of the Space-Based Infrared System. [2] [3] [1] The satellite aims to increase the capabilities of the United States Department of Defense in terms of missile defense and military intelligence.

Overview

As a part of the SBIRS program, the successor of Defense Support Program (DSP), new satellites with better features were planned to be launched and used by United States Air Force and Space Force. USA-315, like other satellites in SBIRS program, is used for early warning.

The initial work contract for SBIRS GEO-5 and SBIRS GEO-6 was awarded to Lockheed Martin in October 2012. After two years, Lockheed Martin was awarded again in 2014, but this time with a manufacturing contract. [3]

SBIRS GEO-5 is built on an LM 2100 Combat Bus and the development phase took more than five years. [4]

On 18 May 2021, SBIRS GEO-5 (USA-315) was launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. [5]

The satellite was accepted by the U.S. Space Force and showed %40 improvement in average testing times. [5]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Ford, Dominic. "SBIRS GEO-5". In-The-Sky.org. Retrieved 2023-01-14.
  2. "NASA - NSSDCA - Spacecraft - Details". nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov. Retrieved 2023-01-14.
  3. 1 2 "SBIRS-GEO 5, 6". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 2023-01-14.
  4. "Lockheed Martin's First Modernized SBIRS Missile Warning Satellite Now Under U.S. Space Force Control". Media - Lockheed Martin. Retrieved 2023-01-14.
  5. 1 2 "SBIRS GEO-5 Operationally Accepted". Lockheed Martin. 2022-02-07. Retrieved 2023-01-14.