The Air Force has certified that the first on-orbit space based infrared system sensor payload is ready to begin a dedicated operational utility evaluation, a major step en route to it commencing formal operations later this year, lead contractor Lockheed Martin announced Aug. 28. The payload, dubbed HEO-1 because it resides on a classified intelligence satellite in highly elliptical orbit, has been exceeding expectations in tests thus far, Air Force and company officials have said. As part of the evaluation, HEO-1 will enter trial-period operations in which, for the first time, live data from the sensor will be injected into the operational networks that provide critical warning and intelligence data to warfighters. HEO-2, the second on-orbit SBIRS payload, is expected to begin operations in early 2009.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
