Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced the first Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous orbit (GEO-1) satellite has entered a major test phase with the latest version of flight software designed to provide highly reliable spacecraft command and control operations.

The U.S. Air Force SBIRS program is designed to provide early warning of missile launches, and simultaneously support other missions including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness. The test of the GEO-1 spacecraft, known as Baseline Integrated System Test (BIST), is being conducted at Lockheed Martin's Space Systems facilities in Sunnyvale, California. The test will characterize the performance of the integrated satellite and establish a performance baseline prior to entering thermal vacuum testing. Lockheed Martin's SBIRS flight software architecture is designed to enable robust command and data handling, fault management, and safe-hold capabilities on the GEO satellite system. The flight software delivered for the BIST milestone contains applications that control space vehicle electrical power, temperature, attitude, and navigation. The software also features a robust fault management system, which responds when an anomaly is detected during on-orbit operations, putting the satellite into a safe state while operators on the ground analyze the situation and take corrective action.

In addition, the Lockheed Martin team recently delivered the GEO-1 Command and Telemetry Database, known as Database 91. This major release supports qualification and delivery of the SBIRS Ground Segment software, and development of operational command plans and scripts that will be used for the upcoming GEO-1 intersegment tests, readiness rehearsals and launch. Delivery of the final flight software block is planned for February to support thermal vacuum testing which will validate spacecraft performance at temperature extremes greater than those expected during on-orbit operations. The spacecraft is planned for delivery to the Air Force in early fiscal year 2010 in preparation for launch aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle.

(Photo: the first Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous orbit (GEO-1) spacecraft in preparation for acoustic and pyroshock testing, courtesy Lockheed Martin.)