How US Could Outpace Arch-Rival Russia In Ballistic Missile Early Warning System
April 10, 2021
The US Space Force (USSF) is likely to launch its fifth ballistic missile early-warning satellite next month. Arch-rival Russia had launched its fourth satellite with similar capability last year.
The geosynchronous satellite, part of the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS), has recently been delivered to the USSF base in Florida.
By orbiting the Earth in highly elliptical rounds and communicating with stationary ground systems, the SBIRS satellites provide 24/7 infrared surveillance of missile activity throughout the world.
The US military claims SBIRS has proved its mettle in the wake of a series of missile attacks by Iran on the US and allied forces in Iraq in January 2020. According to the US Space Force, SBRIRS apparently saved lives by providing a vital warning against more attacks.