“A family of satellites known as the U.S. Space Based Infrared System, or SBIRS, was probably key to determining that a surface-to-air missile took down the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 jet over Ukraine on Thursday. The satellites fly in geosynchronous orbit, 22,300 miles above the planet, and use infrared sensors to detect heat sources on the ground, such as rocket or missile plumes. Five are operational at all times, and they’re supplemented by infrared sensors on other satellites that are part of the Defense Support Program, or DSP. “
Source: How Satellites Give Clues About Malaysia Jet Attack in Ukraine – NBC News.com
