Blog-Shaw Capital Management News: U.S. Air Force’s Second Missile Warning Satellite Completes Significant Environmental Test at Lockheed Martin - Technologies

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Aug. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has successfully completed acoustic testing of the second Space Based Infrared Program (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-2) spacecraft.The U.S. Air Force's SBIRS satellites deliver the nation with drastically enhanced missile warning capabilities and simultaneously assistance other vital missions which includes missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness.Through acoustic testing, the completely integrated GEO-2 spacecraft was paced via the maximum sound and vibration levels expected in the course of launch into orbit. Acoustic and pyroshock testing are amongst various vital environmental test phases that validate the general satellite design, superior of workmanship and survivability in the course of space car launching and on-orbit operations. GEO-2 will now undergo thermal vacuum testing, which will validate its efficiency at temperature extremes better than those expected in the course of on-orbit operations."SBIRS GEO-2 is progressing exceptionally smoothly on the path to delivery, and prosperous acoustic testing of the space car is indicative of the team's escalating expertise in fielding SBIRS spacecraft," said Col Scott Larrimore, Chief of the U.S. Air Force's SBIRS Space Division. "Our devoted government and sector SBIRS team is focused on executing an effective and thorough environmental test phase and ultimately delivering the considerably needed capabilities SBIRS GEO-2 will bring to our warfighter."The 1st geosynchronous (GEO-1) SBIRS satellite was launched Could 7, and has due to the fact reached orbit, deployed its instruments and activated its sophisticated infrared sensors. GEO-1 is performing as expected, and is now undergoing early orbit testing. GEO-2 is on track to be delivered and offered for launch in spring 2012."Leveraging expertise gained from GEO-1, our SBIRS team executed a exceptionally smooth acoustic testing phase on GEO-2 ," saidDave Sheridan, Lockheed Martin's SBIRS deputy plan director. "We fully grasp the significance of the SBIRS method and are committed to delivering GEO-2 effectively and affordably for our consumer."The SBIRS team is led by the Infrared Space Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center.Lockheed Martin is the SBIRS prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman as the payload integrator. Air Force Space Commandoperates the SBIRS method.Lockheed Martin's original SBIRS contract consists of HEO payloads, two geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellites, as nicely as ground-based assets to get and process the infrared information. The team is also beneath a follow-on production contract to deliver further HEO payloads and the third and fourth GEO satellites, and associated ground modifications.Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a international security corporation that employs about 126,000 consumers worldwide and is principally engaged in t he investigation, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, merchandise and services. The Corporation's 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.