NGG completes preliminary design reviews
The US Space Force (USSF) Space and Missile Systems Centre has completed preliminary design reviews of its Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Geosynchronous Earth Orbiting (GEO) satellite programme, otherwise known as NGG.
The programme is developing two IR mission payloads as an effort to mitigate risks to the launch schedule for the first NGG satellite due to be launched in 2025.
Separate teams from Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems and Northrop Grumman (in partnership with Ball Aerospace) will each design, manufacture, assemble, integrate, test and deliver one mission payload to be included on the first two of three NGG satellites.
Col Dennis Bythewood, USSF programme executive officer for space development, said: ‘NGG is a critical piece of our missile warning architecture that will deliver a capable, resilient and defensible missile warning system to counter determined adversaries.’
A contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin in August 2018 for the delivery of three NCG space vehicles.
More from Defence Notes
-
![How US Special Operations Forces are using AI to transform modern warfare]()
How US Special Operations Forces are using AI to transform modern warfare
USSOCOM is expanding the use of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and human-machine teaming to improve decision-making, survivability and operational reach in contested environments.
-
![SOF Week 2026: US military tests AI algorithm to support missions in low-light scenarios]()
SOF Week 2026: US military tests AI algorithm to support missions in low-light scenarios
The US Army and USAF are evaluating an AI-enabled imaging capability from Deepnight designed to enhance low-light and no-light operations across multiple platforms and environments.
-
![Industrial capacity under scrutiny as US approves further $8.6 billion Middle East arms sale]()
Industrial capacity under scrutiny as US approves further $8.6 billion Middle East arms sale
The fast-tracked emergency approvals come as the conflict in the Middle East stretches out into its third month, after Iranian attacks depleted US allies’ missile stockpiles and testing air defence systems.
-
![Intelligence innovation: From data overload to decision advantage (Podcast)]()
Intelligence innovation: From data overload to decision advantage (Podcast)
As militaries face an overwhelming flow of data, the challenge is shifting from collection to delivering fast, actionable insights that drive decision-making. Advances in AI and data integration are helping armed forces move beyond siloed systems to generate real-time intelligence across domains and allies.
-
![SAHA 2026 to Convene the Global Defence Ecosystem]()
SAHA 2026 to Convene the Global Defence Ecosystem
SAHA 2026 brings global defence and aerospace leaders to Istanbul for partnerships, launches, panels and high-value meetings.
