CAPE CANAVERAL -- An Atlas V rocket launched from Cape Canaveral, carrying an Air Force satellite into orbit Tuesday afternoon, against a bright blue sky. The Space-Based Infrared System Geosynchronous (SBIRS GEO-2) satellite, numbered 2 because it will be the second of its kind, is designed to help the military spot incoming missiles. The GEO-1 satellite launched in May 2011. The SBIRS program addresses critical warfighter needs in the areas of missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace characterization.