Global defense technology company Lockheed Martin is set to launch the U.S. Space Force’s first Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) satellite in 2025.
According to information released by the company on 10 December, the satellite is one of two that will serve as the Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) component of the Space Force’s planned multi-orbit, multi-layer missile warning and tracking architecture.
A major achievement
The U.S. Space Forces satellites are intended for protecting the U.S. and its allies against increasing ballistic missile, hypersonic and other emerging threats, making it an important project.
The Next-Gen OPIR will provide enhanced sensing capabilities and global coverage to detect ballistic missile, hypersonic and other emerging threats.
With its advanced missile warning capability, the satellite will work with Space Systems Command’s Medium Earth Orbit Track Custody prototypes and the Space Development Agency’s Tracking Layer satellites in Low Earth Orbit to prevent threats.
Lockheed Martin Space’s vice president for Missile Warning programs, Mike Corriea said:
“With its persistent, around the clock, watchman-like surveillance, Next-Gen OPIR GEO will add strength, reliability and resiliency to the Space Force’s future missile warning, tracking and defense architecture.”
For this mission, the Next-Gen OPIR will combine Lockheed Martin’s LM 2100 bus with enhanced resiliency capabilities and a Raytheon-built advanced missile warning sensor payload, which are two major satellite components.
Further development
With the two major satellite components that the Next-Gen OPIR is using, the satellite can undergo further system level testing, with a focus on environmental testing, as it moves toward a 2025 launch.
Apart from building satellites such as the Next-Gen OPIR, Lockheed Martin is also known for integrated air and missile defense, ranging from targets and interceptors to radars, sensors, and command and control solutions.
ReadNext
