GEO-1, 
the first Space Based Infrared Systems geosynchronous satellite, already is meeting more than 90 percent of Air Force Space Command’s performance requirements for operational use, said service space officials on Monday. That’s the case even though US Strategic Command has not yet certified the sophisticated early warning satellite for operations; that’s supposed to occur by the end of the year, they said. “We’ve been extremely pleased with the performance of this first-of-its-kind spacecraft,” said Col. James Planeaux, director of the Infrared Space Systems Directorate at Los Angeles AFB, Calif., in a statement. GEO-1’s sensors “are detecting targets 25 percent dimmer than requirements, with an intensity measurement that is 60 percent more accurate than specifications,” reads the statement. The payload pointing also is nine times more precise than required, it states. GEO-1 was lifted into space last May. It is expected to complete final system tuning by the end of this May. The satellite and associated ground systems are slated to begin formal testing in June, said the officials. (See also Snapshot of New Space Capabilities from the Daily Report archives.)
The Space Force is playing a key role in planning for “Golden Dome,” President Donald Trump’s initiative for comprehensive air and missile defense of the homeland, leaders said this week. But actually building and fielding the ambitious idea will require a major concerted effort across the Pentagon and intelligence community.