Infrared missile-spotting satellite nears launch

While it might be almost a decade behind schedule and $11.4 billion over budget, new infrared missile-spotting satellites are way above par over existing technology, reports William Matthews on NextGov.

The first of four Space-Based Infrared System satellites will be ushered into space by the Air Force on May 6 and will remain in orbit.

Benefits of the infrared sensors on the satellite are that they are more sensitive, see targets sooner and spot targets that are difficult to see, the article states.