Airmen confirm satellite completes integrated system test Published Feb. 17, 2010 LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- The Air Force's second geosynchronous Space Based Infrared Systems satellite successfully completed its first baseline integrated system testing, Feb. 10, at Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Sunnyvale, Calif. This test demonstrated the hardware integrity and functionality of the payload and spacecraft bus. The satellite was verified as ready to proceed with the remaining rigorous integration and performance tests. Over the last four months, the GEO-2 space vehicle completed nearly 200 scripted test events. These scripts were responsible for verifying the satellite's vital subsystems. "This marks two major milestones in the SBIRS program," said Lt. Col. Heath Collins, the commander of the SBIRS Space Squadron. "It is the first time the GEO-2 payload and spacecraft bus have been integrated and operated together, and for the first time ever, we have two fully integrated SBIRS GEO satellites powered on and in test." The GEO-1 satellite recently completed thermal vacuum testing and the team is preparing the satellite for delivery to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. later this year. "Initial results indicate the satellite is in good health and everything is operating nominally. We're ready to continue through our rigorous test program," Lt. Col. Collins added. This first round of system testing was performed with the satellite side panels in an expanded mode for easy access to satellite components. The development team will now continue GEO-2's integration to its final, closed-panel configuration. GEO-2 is scheduled for launch in 2012.