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The satellites will be operated by the US Space Force and will provide an early warning of a ballistic or tactical missile launch anywhere in the world.
WASHINGTON – Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $ 4.9 billion contract to produce three next-generation geosynchronous persistent infrared satellites, the Pentagon announced on January 4.
The satellites will be operated by the US Space Force and will provide an early warning of a ballistic or tactical missile launch anywhere in the world.
The Space Force acquires five next-generation OPIR satellites – the three geosynchronous orbiting satellites manufactured by Lockheed Martin and two polar orbiting satellites manufactured by Northrop Grumman.
The Space and Missile Systems Center awarded Lockheed Martin a $ 2.9 billion contract in August 2018 for the development of the three GEO satellites. The new contract covers manufacturing, assembly, integration, testing and delivery by May 2028. The contract also covers ground system software and systems engineering.
The Space Force said the next-generation OPIR satellites will extend and eventually replace the coverage provided by the Space Infrared System satellites, also manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The first GEO satellite could be launched as early as 2025.
Space infrared system satellites were criticized in 2017 by Gen. John Hyten – who is currently vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and previously commander of US Strategic Command – for being “juicy targets” for anti-satellite weapons. enemies. This led the Air Force to accelerate the development of the new constellation.
The next-generation OPIR spacecraft has more powerful sensors and other features that make them more resistant to attack than current satellites.
“A space program of this size – which includes the development of two brand new missile warning payloads – has never progressed so rapidly,” said Tom McCormick, Lockheed Martin vice president for aerial persistent infrared systems. .
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