WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Space Force has awarded Northrop Grumman a $1.8 billion contract extension to begin production of two advanced early warning satellites aimed at detecting missile threats, particularly from the Northern Hemisphere. This contract, announced on October 23, increases the total value of the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) program to $4.1 billion, following a $2.3 billion contract awarded in 2020.
The project is transitioning into a critical phase, moving from design and development to the manufacturing and testing of the satellites and their associated ground systems. The OPIR program includes geosynchronous satellites built by Lockheed Martin and polar-orbiting satellites developed by Northrop Grumman. The latter will be placed in highly elliptical orbits to enhance surveillance over the Northern Hemisphere, a key area for potential missile threats.
The first satellite is scheduled for launch in 2028, equipped with infrared sensors to detect missile launches and relay data to ground stations for rapid analysis and response. With an estimated total cost of $14 billion, the OPIR program remains one of the most significant satellite procurement initiatives for the Space Force, focusing on large systems for persistent surveillance.
In related developments, NASA is advancing its Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator-4 (PTD-4) mission, which aims to demonstrate new power and communications technology for future spacecraft. The mission's key component, the Lightweight Integrated Solar Array and anTenna (LISA-T), is designed to improve power generation and communication capabilities for small spacecraft on deep space missions. Initial deployment of LISA-T's solar array is underway, with the potential to enhance the operational capacity of future missions.
Additionally, the U.S. Space Force has awarded a $386 million contract to Millennium Space Systems to build six satellites for missile detection and tracking, following a previous $509 million agreement for another set of six satellites. These satellites will operate in medium Earth orbit and are equipped with advanced infrared sensors capable of tracking both ballistic and hypersonic missiles.
Furthermore, the Space Development Agency has selected 19 companies for its Hybrid Acquisition for Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (HALO) program to accelerate satellite technology development. This initiative allows for rapid testing and refinement of technologies to enhance military communications and missile tracking capabilities.