Lockheed says testing of SBIRS satellite going well

Tue Nov 3, 2009 5:15pm EST

* No further delay in expected satellite delivery

* No new discoveries in thermal vacuum testing

* Pentagon seeking to make programs more robust

By Andrea Shalal-Esa

WASHINGTON, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) said testing of its troubled Space Based Infrared Satellite (SBIRS) was going well and the satellite should be delivered to the Air Force in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Rick Ambrose, vice president and general manager of surveillance and navigation systems for Lockheed, said on Tuesday that testing of the satellite in the extreme hot and cold temperatures it will have to endure should be completed by mid-November.

That will be followed by a final integrated systems test before the satellite, to be used for early warning of enemy missile launches, is delivered. It should be launched 45 to 60 days after delivery, probably in early 2011, he said.

Lockheed decided in January