WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force is advancing a significant space-based capability with its Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) program, focusing on large missile-warning satellites.
The U.S. Space Force is investing $14 billion in the Next-Gen OPIR program, emphasizing the importance of these satellites for early missile threat detection. While smaller satellites are trending, this program highlights the need for high-altitude observation sensors in specific orbits.
Advances Despite Challenges
Raytheon recently delivered the first of two infrared payloads for geosynchronous satellites, marking an important step. Lockheed Martin is building the satellites, with the first expected by late 2025. Contractors are hitting milestones faster than older systems like SBIRS, according to Frank Calvelli, who oversees procurement at the Space Force. He stated, “Current production time has been reduced by 50 percent for Next-Gen OPIR GEO when compared to SBIRS’ initial development.”
We think it’s exciting to see faster progress in such important projects.
Started in 2018, the Next-Gen OPIR includes two geosynchronous and two polar satellites. Northrop Grumman is leading the polar satellite program, which aims to monitor threats from the Northern Hemisphere. The first of these is set for launch in 2028. Col. Robert Davis noted the delivery of the first GEO payload is a major milestone, with integration and tests ongoing. If successful, a launch could happen by late 2025.
The Government Accountability Office has raised concerns about possible technical and schedule risks, citing challenges in hardware production and supply chain issues.
A Layered Strategy
Calvelli supports using smaller, cheaper satellites but emphasizes some missions still need larger systems. He said, “Next-Gen OPIR fills a critical need for the missile warning mission and is the last low volume, large sized Space Force OPIR acquisition in the near future.”
Alongside Next-Gen OPIR, the Pentagon is also working on LEO and MEO missile-warning systems to create a layered defense strategy. This approach aims to counter advanced missile threats from countries like Russia and China.
Rob Mitrevski from L3Harris Technologies supports this multi-layer strategy, highlighting its importance for resiliency. He mentioned that much of the innovation in missile detection is happening in LEO satellites. These can be deployed more quickly, cost less, and offer agility and resilience. AI integration allows them to identify threats faster, which is crucial for countering hypersonic missiles.
Jeff Schrader from Lockheed Martin Space discussed “smart sat” technology in their LEO missile-tracking satellites. These satellites can be updated with AI and machine learning algorithms once in orbit. Schrader said, “We’re developing AI/ML algorithms for Next-Gen OPIR that we could port over to the SDA program to look at and track dim targets.”
https://spacenews.com/lockheed-martin-secures-977-5-million-contract-extension-for-missile-warning-satellites/
https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-23-106059.pdf
https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-24-106831.pdf
https://spacenews.com/space-acquisition-chief-dod-will-buy-small-satellites-at-fixed-prices/
https://spacenews.com/space-development-agency-awards-contracts-worth-2-5-billion-for-missile-tracking-satellites/
