USA-241

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USA-241
SBIRS GEO-3.jpg
SBIRS GEO-2 satellite in orbit
NamesSBIRS GEO-2 (SV-2)
Space-Based Infrared System GEOstationary-2 [1]
Mission typeInfrared early warning
IRINT
OperatorUnited States Air Force / United States Space Force
COSPAR ID2013-011A
SATCAT no.39120
Websitehttps://www.spaceforce.mil/
Mission duration12 years (planned)
8 years, 11 months and 4 days (in progress)
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftSBIRS GEO-2
Spacecraft typeSBIRS GEO
BusA2100M
ManufacturerLockheed Martin Space
Launch mass4,500 kg (9,900 lb)
Dimensions15 m x 6.7 m x 6.1 m
Start of mission
Launch date19 March 2013, 21:21:00 UTC[2]
RocketAtlas V 401 (AV-037)
Launch siteCape Canaveral, SLC-41
ContractorUnited Launch Alliance
Entered serviceOctober 2013
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeGeostationary orbit
 

USA-241, also known as SBIRS GEO-2,[1] is an United States military satellite and part of the Space-Based Infrared System.

Overview[]

The 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[]

SBIRS-GEO 2 was manufactured by Lockheed Martin Space and is built upon the A2100M satellite bus.

Launch[]

SBIRS GEO-2 was launched on 19 March 2013 from Cape Canaveral, atop an Atlas V launch vehicle.

Mission[]

In October 2013, the satellite was incorporated into the United States early warning network.[3]

References[]

  1. ^ a b "SBIRS GEO-1, -2, -3, -4". Gunter's Space Page. 4 November 2020. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
  2. ^ Spaceflight Now Mission Status Center
  3. ^ "Air Force welcomes new craft into early warning network", Spaceflight Now, 26 November 2013.
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