Next-Gen OPIR mission payload passes milestone
The US requires a new space-based overhead persistent surveillance capability for strategic and tactical missile warning. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
Flight mission payload for US overhead persistent surveillance satellite is scheduled for delivery to Lockheed Martin in 2023.
Northrop Grumman and Ball Aerospace have successfully completed the Critical Design Review (CDR) phase of the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) geosynchronous (GEO) mission payload programme.
Passing this milestone for the subsystems and payload ‘meets aggressive US Space Force and Lockheed Martin programme objectives to ensure national security posture stays ahead of emerging global threats’, Northrop Grumman noted in a 5 August statement.
With the flight design complete, the Northrop Grumman and Ball Aerospace team will manufacture, integrate, and test the flight mission payload scheduled for delivery to prime contractor Lockheed Martin in 2023.
As the successor to the Space Based Infrared System, Next-Gen OPIR will provide an improved, more resilient missile warning system to counter current and emerging threats.
In addition to developing a payload design for the Next-Gen GEO programme, Northrop Grumman was selected by the US Space Force to design and develop two polar-orbiting Next-Gen OPIR space vehicles.
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market]()
Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market
Following its investment into WinnyLab, Terra Drone unveiled a new long-range fixed-wing addition to its interceptor drone portfolio as it seeks to bring combat-proven technology back to Japan and expand into global export markets.
-
![April air forces review: Next-gen platform push ties in with fleet modernisation plans]()
April air forces review: Next-gen platform push ties in with fleet modernisation plans
Countries releasing their spending budgets over the past month have placed an emphasis on advancing next-generation crewed programmes as well as upgrades and expansion plans for air combat and aerial refuelling capabilities.
-
![What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?]()
What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?
With a pending NATO AWACS replacement on the horizon, the demand and market opportunities for airborne early warning aircraft remain strong as countries look to bolster their capabilities, with industry eyeing gaps in the market.
-
![NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)]()
NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)
Developed in response to NATO’s needs, NHIndustries’ NH90 remains a cornerstone of European and Middle Eastern fleets – with upgrades planned to extend and improve the capabilities of the versatile and capable platform.
-
![April Drone Digest: Why militaries are rethinking high-end drones]()
April Drone Digest: Why militaries are rethinking high-end drones
From France to Romania, there has been a clear shift away from expensive, vulnerable MALE UAVs in April towards lower-cost, expendable systems. Hard lessons from Ukraine and Iran have driven this shift.
