Next-Gen OPIR -- Polar

Next-Gen OPIR -- Polar falls under the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation budget activity of the Air Force. The primary objective of this program is to develop the Next-Gen OPIR Polar (NGP) missile warning satellites with new payloads in a highly resilient bus, providing real-time persistent global infrared coverage to meet validated Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) requirements on current and future space domain demands. The program aims to enhance detection and improve reporting of intercontinental ballistic missile launches, submarine-launched ballistic missile launches, and tactical ballistic missile launches. It involves three contract phases: Phase 0 for system requirements analysis and risk reduction efforts, Phase 1 for engineering design and hardware procurement, and Phase 2 for manufacturing, assembly, integration & test, launch, and early on-orbit testing.

The program's goals include executing system engineering and bus maturation activities leading to Preliminary Design Review (PDR) in FY 2023. It also aims to conduct critical design activities for communications payload, cryptographic units, auxiliary payloads, satellite bus, mission payload, mission unique ground system, and hardware/software early risk reduction activities to support the Critical Design Review (CDR) in FY 2024. Additionally, the program plans to procure long lead items to support Phase 2 scheduled dates and continue enterprise planning and support for secure communications. The acquisition strategy emphasizes rapid acquisition of Next-Gen systems to outpace adversary missile and counterspace threats while maintaining survivable global missile warning capability sufficient to enable a transition to the future Force Design Architecture.