USAF's SBIRS Satellite Launches Into Orbit

By TODD HALVORSON, FLORIDA TODAY Published: 8 May 2011 16:33

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR STATION, Fla. - A $1.2 billion missile-warning satellite is flying high above Earth after its May 7 launch.

Secured in a protective nosecone atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, the Space-Based Infrared System satellite was dropped off in orbit 43 minutes after launch.

The 19-story rocket blasted off from Launch Complex 41 at 2:10 p.m. and within the hour, a flight controller signaled mission success with four highly anticipated words:

"We have spacecraft separation."

The mission marked the 50th consecutive success since United Launch Alliance was formed in December 2006. The 50-50 joint venture partnership of Boeing and Lockheed Martin married the Delta and Atlas rocket fleets.

The launch came on a second attempt. An initial try was scrubbed May 6 as a result of bad weather.

Its first stage powered by a Russian RD-180 engine, the Atlas V bolted off its launch pad and sped out over the Atlantic Ocean, a puffy white contrail shining against a clear blue sky.

"It was a beautiful launch," said ULA spokeswoman Jessica Rye.

The Atlas V hauled the five-ton spacecraft into an egg-shaped orbit with high and low points of 22,221 and 115 statute miles, respectively.

Onboard engines will be ignited in a series of six firings to raise the spacecraft into a circular orbit 22,300 miles above Earth.

From that perch, the Lockheed Martin-built satellite will use sophisticated infrared sensors to instantaneously detect enemy missile launches.

The orbiting sentinel then would beam alerts so that the missiles could be destroyed before they reach their intended targets.

Simultaneously, the satellites will send data that enables U.S. forces to accurately launch counter-strikes to destroy enemy missile launchers.

Operated by the U.S. Air Force, the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) is a long-awaited follow-on to Defense Support Program missile-warning satellites that have been serving the nation since the 1970s.

Air Force officials say the spacecraft provide the nation with a "silent safety net."

Defense News