Space Force to launch fifth SBIRS satellite in May

A $1.6 billion Space Based Infrared System satellite arrived last week at Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. The satellite, made by Lockheed Martin, is scheduled to launch May 17 on a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket, the U.S. Space Force announced March 24. The geosynchronous SBIRS GEO-5 is the fifth satellite of the Space Based Infrared System program. Lockheed Martin said the manufacturing of SBIRS GEO-5 was completed in December. SBIRS satellites use staring and scanning infrared sensors to detect missile launches and provide advance warning. More

(Source: SpaceNews - Mar 26)