USA-230 explained

USA-230
Names List:SBIRS GEO-1 (SV-1)
Space-Based Infrared System GEOstationary-1
Mission Type:Infrared early warning
IRINT
Operator:United States Air Force / United States Space Force
Cospar Id:2011-019A
Satcat:37481
Website:https://www.spaceforce.mil/
Mission Duration:12 years (planned)
(in progress)
Spacecraft:SBIRS GEO-1
Spacecraft Type:SBIRS GEO
Spacecraft Bus:A2100M
Manufacturer:Lockheed Martin Space
Dimensions:15 m x 6.7 m x 6.1 m
Launch Date:7 May 2011, 18:10 UTC
Launch Rocket:Atlas V 401 (AV-022)
Launch Site:Cape Canaveral, SLC-41
Launch Contractor:United Launch Alliance
Orbit Reference:Geocentric orbit
Orbit Regime:Geostationary orbit
Apsis:gee
Insignia Size:200px
Programme:Space-Based Infrared System program
Next Mission:SBIRS GEO-2

USA-230, also known as SBIRS GEO-1,[1] is a United States military satellite and part of the Space-Based Infrared System.

Overview

In the mid 1950s, the United States began development of the first space-based missile detection system; the Missile Defense Alarm System (MIDAS), in low Earth orbit. Following the end of the MIDAS programme, plans to deploy an operational system led to the Integrated Missile Early Warning Satellite programme (IMEWS), followed by the Defense Support Program (DSP),

The SBIRS satellites are a replacement for the Defense Support Program early warning system. They are intended to detect ballistic missile launches, as well as various other events in the infrared spectrum, including nuclear explosions, aircraft flights, space object entries and reentries, wildfires and spacecraft launches.

Satellite description

SBIRS-GEO 1 was manufactured by Lockheed Martin Space and is built upon the A2100M satellite bus.

Launch

SBIRS GEO-1 was launched on 7 May 2011 from Cape Canaveral (CCAFS), atop an Atlas V 401 (AV-022) launch vehicle.[2] [3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: SBIRS GEO-1, -2, -3, -4. Gunter's Space Page. 4 November 2020. 16 May 2021.
  2. Web site: Atlas V launches with SBIRS GEO-1 at second attempt. NASASpaceFlight.com. 7 May 2011. 16 May 2021.
  3. Web site: SBIRS GEO-1 Mission Status Center. Spaceflight Now. 7 May 2011. 16 May 2021.