SBIRS GEO-4 is encapsulated and heading to SLC-41

Technicians point out details on SBIRS GEO-4 prior to final
encapsulation at CCAFS, FL on Jan. 9th
Photo // Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Colorado

The encapsulation of the SBIRS GEO-4 satellite was completed today at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This is a significant milestone in its launch process. It marks the completion of the satellite's major testing milestones prior to launch. On January 10th, the satellite will make its way to SLC-41, where it will be mated with the Atlas V rocket and is currently scheduled to launch on January 18th at 7:52pm EST.

SBIRS GEO-4 is manufactured by Lockheed Martin and will join

the three SBIRS GEO satellites that have been launched since 2011. These satellites will provide an early warning of missile launches that

Unique, low angle image of SBIRS GEO-4
 after final encapsulation
Photo // Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Colorado

are headed for the US, including launched nuclear weapons. Two additional satellites have been ordered by Lockheed Martin and will be launched in the early 2020s. These SBIRS GEO satellites can also register emissions from wildfires, meteors, satellite reentries, and nuclear detonations.

An Atlas V being raised vertical at SLC-41
Photo // United Launch Alliance

The satellite that will be launched on the 18th will be carried by an Atlas V in the 411 configuration. This includes a single solid rocket booster and a four-meter-diameter fairing, the previous launches used an Atlas V without any SRBs. This change in the flight configuration will let the Centaur upper stage make a de-orbit burn and a controlled reentry to prevent adding more space debris into Earth orbit.