SBIR High (Space)

The LI MSSBIR - SBIR High (Space) program is a key component of the Department of Defense's space procurement activities, managed by the United States Space Force under the Air Force. Its primary objective is to support the procurement and sustainment of the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS), which is designed to provide early warning of ballistic missile attacks against the United States, its deployed forces, and allies. The SBIRS program enhances detection and tracking capabilities for intercontinental, submarine-launched, and tactical ballistic missiles, meeting the requirements outlined in the Operational Requirements Document.

The SBIRS Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) Satellites portion of the program focuses on the procurement and modernization of GEO-5 and GEO-6 satellites. These satellites are derivatives of earlier GEO-3 and GEO-4 models and serve as replacements for GEO-1 and GEO-2. The program's goals include persistent infrared missile and threat warning payloads, launch vehicle integration, dual communication band modification, and contractor operations support through operational acceptance.

The technical refresh contract for GEO-5 and GEO-6 modernizes the spacecraft bus design, improving compatibility across USSF and government satellite programs and enabling integration with multiple launch vehicles. GEO-5 and GEO-6 were successfully launched in May 2021 and August 2022, respectively, with operational acceptance following their launches.

The SBIRS Highly Elliptical Earth Orbit (HEO) Payloads segment addresses replenishment and sustainment of HEO-3 and HEO-4 payloads, which replace HEO-1 and HEO-2. These payloads are critical for Integrated Tactical Warning/Attack Assessment missile warning operations and technical intelligence missions. The HEO-3 and HEO-4 payloads are currently on-orbit and certified for both missile warning and technical intelligence operations, while HEO-1 and HEO-2 remain in a storage or residual operational mode. The procurement of these payloads ensures continued coverage and redundancy in the SBIRS architecture.

The SBIRS Survivable Endurable Evolution (S2E2) initiative is designed to replace the legacy Defense Support Program Mobile Ground System. S2E2 consists of the SBIRS Mobile Ground Terminal and Parabolic Dish Subsystem, which are essential for monitoring critical situations within national-level architectures such as the Integrated Tactical Warning/Attack Assessment System, CJCS Critical Nodes, and Nuclear Command and Control System. The program aims to deliver a minimum of four mobile ground terminals with enhanced capabilities, including SBIRS GEO 5/6 processing, Tracking, Telemetry, and Command, and new protected and wide-band SATCOM terminals. This effort also addresses obsolescence, supportability, cybersecurity concerns, and resilience against high-altitude electromagnetic pulse threats.

The SBIRS Mobile and Fixed Site Communications/Electronic Replacement effort supports the procurement and maintenance of Defense Support Program and SBIRS ground system assets. This includes replacing legacy equipment such as receivers, antenna drive systems, mission control station displays, communications and network routers, and time servers at fixed sites. For mobile systems, the program funds the replacement of aging radio frequency communications equipment, antenna systems, electrical components, and unsupportable data processing subsystems. These upgrades are necessary to maintain operational readiness and ensure reliable communications and data processing capabilities for missile warning and nuclear detection missions.

Across all segments, the program provides funding for Program Office and related support activities, including Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance enterprise activities. These activities offer intra- and inter-program office support to ensure effective integration, operation, and sustainment of SBIRS capabilities. The justification for these investments centers on maintaining and advancing the United States' ability to detect and respond to missile threats, support national command authorities, and fulfill operational requirements for persistent, survivable, and endurable missile warning and nuclear detection capabilities.