On 30 August 2024 US Space Systems Command (SSC) announced the successful delivery of the first mission payload for its Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) sensing in geosynchronous Earth orbit (NGG) capability in partnership with Lockheed Martin Space and Raytheon Technologies.
The payload, known as NGG-1, was transported from Raytheon’s Mission Payload Facility in El Segundo, California, to Lockheed Martin’s Space Vehicle Integration Facility in Sunnyvale, California, following successful completion of thermal vacuum chamber testing from 26 April to 12 August 2024. At Lockheed Martin the payload will be integrated with the satellite bus and will continue to undergo rigorous system testing conditions like those it will experience in space to further ensure the satellite can operate in extreme vacuum and temperature conditions.
Once in orbit, NGG-1 will provide enhanced sensing capabilities to detect advanced missile threats, including hypersonic weapon systems. NGG-1 remains on schedule for its projected December 2025 initial launch capability.
NGG-1 is the first of two payloads in development for the geosynchronous Earth orbit. The Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Missile Warning Program also includes development of OPIR sensors for highly elliptical orbit, known as Next-Generation Polar (NGP). Both NGG and NGP are designed to deliver improved strategic missile warning capabilities that are more survivable against emerging threats. The programme is managed by SSC’s Space Sensing Strategic Missile Warning Acquisition Delta.
“Next-Gen OPIR capabilities will ensure we maintain an asymmetric advantage against adversarial threats,” Captain Christian Pung, section chief for mission payloads for the SSC NGG programme was quoted as saying in an SCC press release. “Our advancements in early warning capabilities strengthen our ability to track incoming missiles and deter their potential effects throughout all phases of a conflict. I look forward to our team of military, civilian, Federally Funded Research and Development Center, and industry partners continuing to work together to keep ahead of threats and future conflicts in space,” Capt Pung added.
Sensors placed in the geosynchronous and polar Earth orbits offer unique benefits for persistence and stare coverage that add strength, reliability and resiliency to future architectures. When combined with proliferated constellations in medium and low Earth orbits, these capabilities enable resiliency and abilities to quickly defeat a variety of advanced missile threats throughout their trajectory, from initial boost to post-boost phases.
“OPIR technology has played a critical role in our nation’s defense for over 60 years and remains essential to warfighting today and for the future.” said Major Kara Jarvis, deputy materiel leader for the SSC Next Gen OPIR GEO programme. “The Next-Gen OPIR constellation provides the reliability needed as we advance a resilient, multi-orbit missile warning and tracking architecture for the Space Force, warfighters, allies, partners and our nation.”
SSC is the US Space Force’s field command responsible for acquiring, developing and delivering resilient capabilities to protect the United States’ strategic advantage in, from and to space. SSC manages a USD 15.6 billion (EUR 14.15 billion) space acquisition budget for the US Department of Defense and works in partnership with joint forces, industry, government agencies, academic and allied organisations to outpace emerging threats.
