The test exercised the payload in a complete “test-like-you-fly” sequence, thus satisfying both performance and functionality requirements. During thermal vacuum testing, the payload demonstrated all four SBIRS mission areas: Missile Warning, Missile Defense, Technical Intelligence and Battlespace Awareness. The payload was exercised over the full gamut of infrared backgrounds as observed from space. In every performance and mission area, the GEO-2 payload surpassed compliance standards successfully completing the test designed to prove the functionality and performance of the payload.
The GEO-2 payload is comprised of both a scanning and staring sensor. The scanning sensor provides observation and surveillance of traditional intercontinental ballistic missile threats. The staring sensor is able to dectect very low signature, short-burn-duration theater missiles. Delivery of this second sophisticated payload is the result of a dedicated team of individuals from Lockheed Martin, the SBIRS prime contractor; Northrop Grumman’s Electronic Systems sector, the payload integrator and the SBIRS Systems Wing. Lt. Col. Robert Bongiovi, SBIRS Sensors Squadron commander, stated, "The successful completion of the GEO-2 payload thermal vacuum tests puts the SBIRS team in an excellent position to deliver the second geosynchronous SBIRS satellite to our ultimate customers: the warfighters and the nation." The Space and Missile Systems Center's SBIRS Wing manages the SBIRS program to develop both the highly elliptical orbiting payloads and geosynchronous orbiting satellites, as well as the ground systems to support mission operations.