U.S. Sky Eye— Space-Based Sensors for Hypersonic Weapon Defense System (172)
Author: Lao Jun001
172“Space-Based Infrared System– Geostationary”05 and 06 satellite technology upgrades;
In addition, in June 2014, the Air Force procured the “Space-Based Infrared System– Geostationary”05 and 06 satellites for $1.86 billion (contract FA8810-13-C-0001), with delivery planned to start in 2019 (Note by Lao Jun 001: The unit procurement price of the U.S. Sky Eye satellites is $800-900 million each, which is quite expensive). However, in August 2014, the Senate recommended a technology upgrade for the “Space-Based Infrared System– Geostationary”05 and 06 satellites. If a more common improvement method is used, the satellite cost would increase by $424 million and the delivery time would be delayed by 23 months. The improvement plan includes replacing the original sensors with entirely new infrared focal plane sensors.
Lao Jun001 wrote on Friday, November 21, 2025
U.S. Sky Eye— Space-Based Sensors for Hypersonic Weapon Defense System (173)
Author: Lao Jun001
173“Space-Based Infrared System– Geostationary”05 and 06 satellite luxury upgrade plan;
The Air Force is also considering a luxury upgrade plan: in addition to using new modern infrared focal plane sensors, it will also increase the sensor resolution by 20%, but this requires redesigning both satellites and will increase costs by $859 million, with delivery time delayed by 44 months. For the more future-oriented “Space-Based Infrared System– Geostationary”07 and 08 satellites, the Air Force hopes that these satellites, with an average procurement price of $1.1 billion, can see a price reduction of 30%, and has signed a contract with Lockheed Martin’s Space Systems division to explore a simpler single infrared payload solution.
Lao Jun001 wrote on Friday, November 21, 2025