GEO-2, the second Space Based Infrared System geosynchronous satellite, has arrived at Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., in preparation for its scheduled launch into space in March, announced prime contractor Lockheed Martin on Tuesday. A C-5 transport brought the spacecraft from Moffett Federal Airfield, Calif., to Cape Canaveral on Jan. 11, according to the company’s Jan. 15 release. Lockheed Martin assembled the satellite at its facility in Sunnyvale, Calif. “We performed a disciplined integration and test campaign for GEO-2 and are now looking forward to successfully launching this spacecraft to ultimately help protect our nation and allies,” said Jeff Smith, company vice president for the overhead persistent infrared mission area. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is slated to carry GEO-2 into orbit. SBIRS satellites are designed to provide early warning of missile launches and other types of overhead intelligence. GEO-1 is already on orbit, as are two SBIRS payloads on satellites in highly elliptical orbits. (See also SBIRS GEO-2 Closer to Launch.)
President Donald Trump’s nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff touted his highly unusual background for the job as an asset and reaffirmed his commitment to stay apolitical during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on April 1.