Washington DC (SPX) - Lockheed Martin Corp. in Sunnyvale, CA received a $6.5 million contract modification to the existing Space Base Infrared System High component engineering, manufacturing, and development contract. DID has covered the SBIRS High program and some of its problems in a past article.

This contract primarily provides technical support to 2SWS contractor test force/mission assurance in the areas of Space-Based Infrared System testing, exercise support, and verification of operational suitability.

Contractor support will include testing and exercise support to external operations centers, Air Force Satellite Control Network operations, and other organizations/agencies as required. Lockheed has performed well in prevous SBIRS High tests of the optical systems, but as a previous DID article regarding satellite program cost issues noted, there's only one opportunity to get a satellite launch right.

This contract action supports the Space -Based Infrared System Support Manager in SMC/ISO located at Peterson Air Force Base, CO. The Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles Air Force Base, CA issued the contract. (F04701-95-C-0017, P00320).