Making SBIRS Simpler: Air Force Undersecretary Ronald Sega told lawmakers that sensor technology has moved “a great deal in the last 10 years” since the start of the Space Based Infrared System satellite program. So much so that he believes “a simpler design is possible.” And, that likely will lead to a new program termed Alternate Infrared Satellite System (AIRSS), which some analysts have said will replace SBIRS GEO sat No. 3. Sega said that the Air Force will evaluate the “performance and progress and development” of GEO-1 to gauge whether to proceed with GEO-3. He acknowledged a “parallel” effort would investigate the AIRSS approach.
Even with a 3 percent to 5 percent increase in the defense budget, losing a conflict with China still becomes a “distinct possibility" without both aircraft cuts and a fundamental change in how the Air Force structures itself for war, Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. warned lawmakers…