USA-315

USA-315, also known as SBIRS GEO-5, is a military satellite developed as a part of the Space-Based Infrared System.^[2][3][1] The satellite aims to increase the capabilities of the United States Department of Defense in terms of missile defense and military intelligence.

USA-315

Names	SBIRS GEO-5 Space-Based Infrared System GEOstationary-5
Mission type	Infrared early warning IRINT
Operator	United States Air Force / United States Space Force
COSPAR ID	2021-042A
SATCAT no.	48618
Website	https://www.spaceforce.mil/
Mission duration	12 years (planned)
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft type	SBIRS GEO
Bus	LM2100
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin Space
Launch mass	4,500 kg (9,900 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date	18 May 2021
Launch site	Air Force Eastern Test Range, Florida, United States[1]
Orbital parameters
Regime	Geostationary orbit[1]
Instruments
2 SBIRS infrared sensors
Space-Based Infrared System program

Overview

As a part of the SBIRS program, the successor of Defense Support Program (DSP), new satellites with better features were planned to be launched and used by United States Air Force and Space Force. USA-315, like other satellites in SBIRS program, is used for early warning.

The initial work contract for SBIRS GEO-5 and SBIRS GEO-6 was awarded to Lockheed Martin in October 2012. After two years, Lockheed Martin was awarded again in 2014, but this time with a manufacturing contract.^[3]

SBIRS GEO-5 is built on an LM 2100 Combat Bus and the development phase took more than five years.^[4]

On 18 May 2021, SBIRS GEO-5 (USA-315) was launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.^[5]

The satellite was accepted by the U.S. Space Force and showed %40 improvement in average testing times.^[5]