Lockheed Martin conducts Critical Design Review for NGG Block 0
The Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Geosynchronous Earth Orbit. (Image: Lockheed Martin)
A system-level CDR marks an important step towards the first launch of a persistent satellite capability for missile warning.
Lockheed Martin, together with the US Space Force (USSF), has conducted the system-level Critical Design Review (CDR) for the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (NGG) Block 0 space programme, marking another significant step towards its first launch.
NGG is the Space Force’s new, advanced space-based missile warning system that incorporates improved warning capabilities as well as enhanced resiliency and cyber hardening.
Under the NGG Block 0 programme, Lockheed Martin and the USSF are developing and building three satellites that provide improved missile warning capabilities and resilience against emerging threats. Carrying new advanced IR sensors that can detect dimmer and faster targets, the first satellite is earmarked to be launched in 2025.
The system-level CDR is the latest milestone the programme has met since the 2018 contract award. Earlier this year, under the oversight of prime contractor Lockheed Martin, NGG completed CDRs for two mission payloads being competitively developed by subcontractor teams Raytheon and a Northrop Grumman/Ball team.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Companies post mostly rosy results but warn of potential dark clouds]()
Companies post mostly rosy results but warn of potential dark clouds
First quarter 2025 results have been dropping for companies in the past week but many of the US results come with a health warning in their forward-looking aspects about the potential impact of actions by the Trump administration.
-
![Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan]()
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
![New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia]()
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
