Next-Gen OPIR -- Polar

The Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) -- Polar program, as outlined in Program Element (PE) 1206444SF, is a critical Air Force and Space Force initiative focused on developing advanced missile warning capabilities. The program's primary objective is to provide initial and persistent missile warning of ballistic missile attacks targeting the United States, its deployed forces, and allied nations. This is achieved through the development and deployment of the Next-Gen OPIR Polar (NGP) satellites, which are designed to enhance detection and reporting of intercontinental, submarine-launched, and tactical ballistic missile launches. The program is structured to meet validated Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) requirements and to address current and future space domain threats.

The Next-Gen OPIR Space, Block 0 Polar line item specifically supports the research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) of two polar-orbiting missile warning satellites. These satellites will utilize a highly resilient satellite bus and incorporate new, hardened infrared sensors and auxiliary payloads to improve system survivability and operational resiliency. The satellites are intended to provide real-time, persistent infrared coverage of the northern hemisphere, a region critical for early missile detection due to potential launch trajectories from adversarial states.

The program is managed by the Space Force and executed through a phased acquisition strategy. Phase 0, initiated in 2018, focused on system requirements analysis and risk reduction, culminating in a System Requirements Review (SRR) in March 2020. Phase 1, awarded in May 2020, involved engineering design, procurement of unit hardware, component and subsystem qualification, and risk reduction efforts, leading to a System Critical Design Review (CDR) in August 2024. Phase 2, awarded in October 2024, encompasses the manufacture, assembly, integration, testing, and launch of the two NGP satellites.

The program's FY 2025 objectives include completing Phase 1 contract closeout activities, finalizing flight hardware procurements for both satellite vehicles (SV #1 and SV #2), and advancing the development of ground and spacecraft flight software as well as mission data processing algorithms. Additional goals are to continue the assembly, integration, and testing of the mission payload for SV #1, and to conduct subsystem component and integration testing and simulation development for requirements verification. These activities are essential to preserve the planned Initial Launch Capability (ILC) for SV #1 in FY 2028 and SV #2 in FY 2030.

Supporting activities under this line item also include program office support, technical analysis, experimentation, prototyping, and leveraging commercial and international opportunities to enhance system resiliency and situational awareness in a contested space environment. The program may also fund necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage and deliver the NGP system, supplementing related program elements as needed.

The acquisition strategy for Next-Gen OPIR -- Polar emphasizes rapid development to outpace evolving missile and counterspace threats. The program transitioned from a Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Prototype effort to an Acquisition Category (ACAT)-1B Major Capability Acquisition in November 2023. The first satellite is required to be operational by FY 2028, and the acquisition approach includes sole source contracting under Justification & Authorization authority to expedite development and deployment.