Air Force Space Command declared the first Space Based Infrared Systems geosynchronous satellite fully operational on May 17, AFSPC spokeswoman 1st Lt. Connie Dillon told the Daily Report on June 12. The early warning satellite, known as GEO-1, launched from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., on May 7, 2011. It was followed by the launch of GEO-2 in March of this year. The SBIRS constellation is designed to provide early warning of missile launches and other types of infrared surveillance information to the US military and intelligence community. They will complement, and eventually replace, legacy Defense Support Program satellites.
A combined Navy and Air Force program is seeking to build a smaller version of a ubiquitous air-to-air missile that could give advanced aircraft, such as the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, greater magazine depth in a high-end fight.