USA-241, also known as SBIRS GEO-2,[1] is a United States military satellite and part of the Space-Based Infrared System.
 SBIRS GEO-2 satellite in orbit | |
| Names | SBIRS GEO-2 (SV-2) Space-Based Infrared System GEOstationary-2 [1] |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Infrared early warning IRINT |
| Operator | United States Air Force / United States Space Force |
| COSPAR ID | 2013-011A |
| SATCAT no. | 39120 |
| Website | https://www.spaceforce.mil/ |
| Mission duration | 12 years (planned) 11 years, 7 months and 24 days (in progress) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | SBIRS GEO-2 |
| Spacecraft type | SBIRS GEO |
| Bus | A2100M |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin Space |
| Launch mass | 4,500 kg (9,900 lb) |
| Dimensions | 15 m x 6.7 m x 6.1 m |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 19 March 2013, 21:21:00 UTC[2] |
| Rocket | Atlas V 401 (AV-037) |
| Launch site | Cape Canaveral, SLC-41 |
| Contractor | United Launch Alliance |
| Entered service | October 2013 |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Geostationary orbit |
Overview
editThe 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
editSBIRS-GEO 2 was manufactured by Lockheed Martin Space and is built upon the A2100M satellite bus.
Launch
editSBIRS GEO-2 was launched on 19 March 2013 from Cape Canaveral, atop an Atlas V launch vehicle.
Mission
editIn October 2013, the satellite was incorporated into the United States early warning network.[3]
References
edit
- ^ a b "SBIRS GEO-1, -2, -3, -4". Gunter's Space Page. 4 November 2020. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
- ^ Spaceflight Now Mission Status Center
- ^ "Air Force welcomes new craft into early warning network", Spaceflight Now, 26 November 2013.