The Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) continues to experience mounting problems:

Persistent hardware and software problems that have dogged the Space Based Infrared System for almost two years have not yet been solved, Air Force Space Command Gen. Robert Kehler told reporters at the Air Force Association’s annual conference.

Kehler did not speak to the issue of cost. But the general made clear he agrees with the Senate Appropriations Committee that some alternative to SBIRS must be started. “It’s time for us to have a follow-on,” he said. SBIRS, he said, “has been a very difficult development.”

The Senate Appropriations Committee agrees with Kehler that a new generation missile warning capability is needed. The report accompanying the spending bill said the committee “remains concerned over the development challenges that the Space-based Infra-Red System [SBIRS] Geosynchronous Earth Orbit [GEO] satellites continue to encounter.” It notes that the program is more than eight years behind schedule and will cost “at least” $7.5 billion more than its original cost estimate. “Due to chronic problems and the importance of missile warning for national security, the Committee supports the Third Generation Infra-Red Surveillance program in order to ensure that development funding is being invested in missile warning capabilities,” the report said. The SAC-D added $104 million to the administration’s budget request of $39 million.  [DOD Buzz]

Click the link to read more about the mounting problems this system has and how an entire new satellite system may be needed.