The US Air Force (USAF) has encapsulated its next space-based infrared system (SBIRS) geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite, ahead of the satellite's planned launch.

Built by Lockheed Martin, the satellite will be launched from a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on 19 January.

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Lockheed Martin Overhead Persistent Infrared systems mission area vice-president David Sheridan said: "The satellite's successful delivery and encapsulation closes out a manufacturing process that Lockheed Martin has continued to streamline with each build, driving significant schedule and cost reductions into the SBIRS programme.

"The addition of GEO Flight 3 into the constellation will greatly enhance SBIRS' ability to provide resilient, space-based infrared surveillance capabilities for decades to come."

"With its launch, the addition of GEO Flight 3 into the constellation will greatly enhance SBIRS' ability to provide resilient, space-based infrared surveillance capabilities for decades to come."

Equipped with scanning and staring sensors, the SBIRS GEO Flight 3 satellite is capable of collecting and transmitting infrared surveillance information to relay ground stations.

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The satellite information will be used by the US military to detect missile launches, support ballistic missile defence, expand technical intelligence gathering and bolster situational awareness on the battlefield.

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The next SBIRS satellite, GEO Flight 4, is expected to be launched later this year after undergoing final assembly, integration and test.

Additionally, production of SBIRS GEO-5 and GEO-6 is currently underway.

These satellites incorporate Lockheed Martin's new modernised A2100 spacecraft to reduce costs and cycle times while increasing the potential to incorporate future advanced sensor suites.