Missile detecting SBIRS satellite reaches 'first light' milestone

A ballistic missile detection satellite launched this year from Cape Canaveral has begun transmitting images from 22,000 miles above the equator, according to Lockheed Martin.

The Air Force’s third Space Based Infrared System satellite, or SBIRS, was vaulted to orbit by an Atlas V rocket on Jan. 20 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Launch Complex 41.

Built by Lockheed Martin, SBIRS GEO-3 recently sent back its first images in a milestone known as “first light.” The Air Force uses the satellites to “provide faster and more accurate missile warning date to the nation and its allies,” Lockheed Martin said in a statement.

An Atlas V rocket is scheduled to launch the fourth SBIRS satellite from Cape Canaveral on Nov. 9.

Contact Kelly at aekelly@floridatoday.com or 321-242-3715. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook at @EmreKelly.

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