BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo., Jan. 19, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Air Force's 460th Space Wing is now "talking" with the fourth Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite after its successful launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, earlier this evening. The 75th Atlas V mission was tasked with deploying the fourth satellite for the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) – a constellation of dedicated satellites in Geostationary Orbit and hosted sensors in highly elliptical orbits to provide a global missile-tracking capability through eagle-eyed infrared sensors. SBIRS is one of the highest priority space programs in the US and has been designed to meet the 21st century demands in four national security mission areas: missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence and space combat awareness”, according to the United Launch Alliance.
An Atlas V rocket successfully deployed the fourth SBIRS satellite for the United States Air Force. This launch completes the geosynchronous segment of SBIRS and provides a global missile detection system for the United States.