Lockheed Martin announced Feb. 16 that the second Space Based Infrared System geosynchronous orbit, known as GEO-2, has passed a key milestone—its first phase of baseline integrated system test, which “characterizes the overall performance of the satellite and establishes a performance baseline for the remainder of the test program.” Dave Sheridan, Lockheed’s SBIRS GEO program manager, called the achievement an example of the government/industry team’s “commitment to operational excellence and successful execution.” A couple of issues discovered during testing of GEO-1 put that satellite behind schedule, but Lockheed says it is now on the road toward final integration for its launch next year. GEO-2 is slated for launch in 2012. USAF has requested funding for GEO-4 and GEO-5 in Fiscal 2011.
A provision in the fiscal 2025 defense policy bill will require the Defense Department to include the military occupational specialty of service members who die by suicide in its annual report on suicide deaths, though it remains to be seen how much data the department will actually disclose.