Unified approach motivates OPIR planning
The US military has adopted a new space architecture. (Image: CSIS)
New OPIR strategy relies on prototyping and experimentation to shape future investments.
The US military has adopted a new space architecture that aims to harmonise Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) requirements for strategic and tactical missile warning, missile defence and battlespace awareness missions — a strategy that spans three agencies and tens of billions of dollars in planned spending.
The Overhead Persistent Infrared Enterprise Architecture Strategy, provided by the Pentagon to Congress in late December 2020, aims to address concerns by lawmakers about a lack of consensus inside the US military over an agreed and affordable integrated enterprise space architecture.
‘Based on years of OPIR analysis, the Department is planning a more affordable,
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