The Space-Based Infrared System - Geostationary (SBIRS-GEO) is a series of satellites in Geostationary orbit that are part of an early-warning missile system.

The satellites in the overall network are located in different orbits and are considered one of the United States’ highest priority space programs with a yearly budget of $2.5 billion USD in 2021.

They also provide critical battlefield and missile defense information for U.S. and allied forces across Earth.

SBIRS-GEO 6 is the second of the satellites to use a new platform from Lockheed Martin called the LM-2100.

This platform allows SBIRS-GEO 6 to have better performance and reliability over previous SBIRS satellites. It also allows for potential last-minute equipment additions or changes on the satellite before launch.

SBIRS-GEO has a twin, SBIRS-GEO 5. They are both built by Lockheed Martin and are designed to last 12 years. SBIRS-GEO 5 was launched on May 18, 2021.

Picture: SBIRS-GEO 6 getting ready for launch. Credit: Lockheed Martin

Meet United Launch Alliance's (ULA's) Atlas V.

The rocket is a mix of Russian and American technology, using the Russian RD-180 as the first stage engine.

It is also one of the most versatile rockets in the world with 20 possible configurations, though only 10 have flown.

Stats

Height: 58.3 m (191 ft) with payload fairing, 52.4 m (172 ft) with Starliner.

Diameter: 3.81 m (12.5 ft)

Mass: 590,000 kg (1,300,000 lb)

Stages: 2 (3 with Star 48 upper stage)

Developed in the mid- to late-1990s, it is the fifth and last version of the Atlas rocket, which began flying in 1957.

Lockheed Martin designed and built Atlas V as part of the U.S. government's mid-90s plan to create the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program for national security missions.

The two companies with EELV rockets, Lockheed Martin with Atlas V and Boeing with Delta IV, merged in 2006 to create ULA.

Pricing of the Atlas V has varied over the years, with a basic Atlas V 401 (no boosters and a single-engine second stage) costing anywhere from the high-$90 millions to $163 million USD in the 2000s and early 2010s depending on a mission's requirements.

Price reductions have occurred since SpaceX began directly competing with ULA in the 2010s.

The Atlas V's safety and success record is unparalleled - with a 100% mission success rating.

This mission will use the Atlas V 421 variant - with a four-meter payload fairing (4), two side-mounted solid rocket boosters (2), and a single engine Centaur upper stage (1).

This configuration of the Atlas V has a base cost of $123 million USD and can take 14,067 kg to low Earth orbit or 6,890 kg to Geostationary orbit.

Image: NASA

Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) is a significant launch site located at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) in Florida. Originally built in the 1960s, SLC-41 was designed to support the Titan III and Titan IV rocket programs. Throughout its history, the pad has been used for various missions, including the deployment of military and reconnaissance satellites. A notable launch from SLC-41 was the Cassini spacecraft mission, which began its journey to Saturn in 1997.

In the early 2000s, SLC-41 was repurposed to support the Atlas V rocket, operated by United Launch Alliance (ULA). This transition involved extensive upgrades to the pad’s infrastructure and the installation of new ground support equipment to accommodate the Atlas V. These modifications ensured that SLC-41 could meet the requirements of modern space missions.

Under ULA’s management, SLC-41 has hosted a range of important launches, including the Mars Science Laboratory mission, which successfully landed the Curiosity rover on Mars in August 2012, and the launch of GPS III satellites, enhancing global positioning capabilities. The pad has also supported Boeing's CST-100 Starliner capsule, which is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The Starliner capsule, designed to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station, has been launched from SLC-41 to support crewed missions.

Looking to the future, SLC-41 is set to support ULA’s Vulcan Centaur rocket. The Vulcan Centaur is intended to replace the Atlas V and Delta IV rockets, marking a new era in ULA’s launch capabilities with enhanced performance and cost-efficiency. The pad’s infrastructure will be further updated to accommodate this next-generation rocket.

Photo courtesy of ULA.