Posted: 05/01/2011
An Air Force Space Based Infrared Systems GEO-1 payload is launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket May 7, 2011, from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. SBIRS is designed to provide global, overhead, persistent, infrared surveillance capability to meet 21st century demands in mission areas including missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness. (Courtesy photo/Pat Corkery, United Launch Alliance)