Posted: Tue, Nov 11, 2003, 10:55 AM ET (1555 GMT)
The first satellite in a new missile warning system will be delayed an additional few months to work out problems with the spacecraft, Reuters reported late Monday. Officials with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, the two major companies involved with the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) High program, said that the delivery of the first satellite will be pushed back two to three months because of electromagnetic interference issues. The companies plan to deliver the satellite in early 2004 for launch into a highly elliptical orbit in 2006. The program has experienced years of delays and significant cost overruns, and was restructured two years ago. SBIRS High is designed to be a new generation of satellites that will provide early warning of missile launches.
