Sunnyvale, Calif., Dec. 10, 2024 – Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) fully assembled, powered-on and advanced the U.S. Space Force’s first Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) Block 0 satellite to system level testing at its satellite manufacturing facility in Sunnyvale, California.

This Next-Gen OPIR satellite is one of two satellites that will serve as the GEO component of the Space Force’s planned multi-orbit, multi-layer missile warning and tracking architecture to protect our nation and allies against increasing ballistic missile, hypersonic and other emerging threats.

Why it Matters

Next-Gen OPIR is a pacesetting capability that will deliver survivable, missile warning, tracking and defense in a highly contested and congested space domain. From a high GEO orbit vantage point – approximately 22,000 miles above the Earth’s surface – Next-Gen OPIR GEO will provide enhanced sensing capabilities and global coverage to detect ballistic missile, hypersonic and other emerging threats. Its advanced missile warning capability will work in tandem with Space Systems Command’s Medium Earth Orbit Track Custody prototypes and the Space Development Agency’s Tracking Layer satellites in Low Earth Orbit to deter and defeat these threats.

“With its persistent, around the clock, watchman-like surveillance, Next-Gen OPIR GEO will add strength, reliability and resiliency to the Space Force’s future missile warning, tracking and defense architecture,” said Mike Corriea, Lockheed Martin Space’s vice president for Missile Warning programs.

Advancing Towards Launch

This most recent successful milestone in the satellite’s production and testing is a testament to engineering design and rigor. The space vehicle combines two major satellite components for this mission – Lockheed Martin’s LM 2100 bus with enhanced resiliency capabilities and a Raytheon-built advanced missile warning sensor payload. This means the new satellite and its mission payload has the green light for further system level testing, which includes a focus on environmental testing, as it moves toward a 2025 launch.

Lockheed Martin’s capabilities include the whole picture of integrated air and missile defense, from targets and interceptors to satellites, radars, sensors and command and control solutions. Click here to learn more.

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security^® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com. 

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