Space-based persistent-surveillance infrared sensors move forward in major program of U.S. Space Force
WASHINGTON – Two candidate payloads for the U.S. Space Force’s Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared satellites have passed their preliminary design review, with critical design review expected in fall 2021. C4ISRnet reports. Continue reading original article
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
15 June 2020 -- Next Gen OPIR is to replace the Space-Based Infrared System, a constellation of satellites hosting infrared sensors used to detect and track ballistic missile threats. The Space Force says the new system will be more survivable than its predecessor.
The Space and Missile Systems Center plans to place five satellites in the initial constellation: three geosynchronous, or NGG, satellites built by Lockheed Martin; and two polar satellites being built by Northrop Grumman. The two infrared payloads that passed preliminary design review are for the first two NGG satellites.
The Space and Missile Systems Center is developing the two NGG payloads competitively, with Raytheon Technologies Corp. Intelligence & Space segment behind one effort and Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems working with Ball Aerospace on the other.
Related: Raytheon to build rad-hard infrared focal plane array space sensors
John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics
