Next-Gen OPIR -- GEO

The Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) program is a critical initiative managed by the U.S. Space Force, with the primary objective of providing advanced, resilient missile warning capabilities from space. This program is designed to deliver initial warning of strategic missile attacks against the United States, its deployed forces, and allies by detecting and reporting intercontinental, submarine-launched, and tactical ballistic missile launches. The Next-Gen OPIR GEO satellites are intended to replace and enhance the capabilities of the legacy Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) constellation, ensuring persistent global infrared coverage to meet evolving threats and validated Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) requirements.

The main goal of the Next-Gen OPIR GEO missile warning satellites is to provide real-time, persistent, global infrared surveillance from geosynchronous orbit. The program focuses on developing new, hardened sensor payloads integrated into a highly resilient satellite bus, capable of operating in contested space environments.

The acquisition strategy is structured in two phases. Phase 1, initiated in August 2018, included requirements analysis, design and development, procurement of critical flight hardware, and risk reduction activities leading to a System Critical Design Review (CDR) in October 2021. Phase 2, awarded in January 2021, covers the manufacturing, assembly, integration, testing, launch, and early on-orbit operations for the first two GEO satellites.

A significant program objective is to rapidly deliver two operational GEO satellites (SV#1 and SV#2), with the first satellite required in 2026 and the second in 2027. The program originally planned for three satellites, but the third was removed due to the continued positive performance of the SBIRS constellation and the anticipated operational capability of complementary missile tracking systems in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

This adjustment allows the program to focus resources on the two-satellite baseline, optimizing cost and schedule while maintaining required coverage and resilience.

The FY 2025 and FY 2026 objectives include completing the build, integration, and testing of both satellites. For SV#1, the focus is on final integration with ground and launch systems, comprehensive environmental testing, and on-orbit testing and contractor operations support. For SV#2, the program will continue with system-level assembly, integration, and testing, including space-to-ground testing, electromagnetic interference testing, and environmental thermal-vacuum testing. These efforts are aimed at ensuring both satellites are mission-ready and capable of withstanding the rigors of launch and space operations.

Supporting objectives include the development and integration of secure communications systems, such as government-furnished cryptologic units and long-haul communications, to ensure the secure transmission of missile warning data. The program also emphasizes rapid response to evolving intelligence on threats, implementing system resiliency measures and situational awareness capabilities necessary for operations in a contested space domain.

This includes leveraging commercial and international partnerships, technical analysis, experimentation, prototyping, and risk reduction activities to maintain technological superiority and agility.

The acquisition strategy for Next-Gen OPIR GEO is designed to accelerate delivery and outpace adversary missile and counterspace threats. The program was initially designated as a Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Prototype effort and later re-designated as an Acquisition Category (ACAT)-1B Major Capability Acquisition program in July 2023.

The program office utilizes a sole-source contract approach, with Lockheed Martin as the primary contractor, and incorporates input from Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) to manage technical risk and ensure program execution.