The satellite, part of the United States’ Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) program, is designed to significantly bolster missile detection and early warning capabilities from geosynchronous orbit (GEO).
Known as GEO Block 0, the satellite recently concluded both thermal vacuum and acoustic testing at Lockheed Martin Space’s Sunnyvale facility in California. These tests replicate the extreme conditions of space and the intense vibrations of launch, ensuring the platform can survive and operate reliably for years in orbit.
With environmental testing now complete, the satellite has moved into final systems integration and interface testing with ground control systems, maintaining its trajectory towards delivery and launch readiness.
“Next-Gen OPIR GEO will enhance America’s persistent, round-the-clock global surveillance and detection of missile threats,” said Joe Rickers, vice president of transport, tracking and warning programs at Lockheed Martin. “With the first satellite nearly ready to launch, Lockheed Martin stands ready to support the US government’s mission to protect the nation.”
From its fixed GEO position approximately 35,000 kilometres above Earth, the satellite will employ state-of-the-art sensors capable of detecting increasingly sophisticated threats, including hypersonic weapons and missiles with fast-burning, low-visibility propulsion systems. Built on Lockheed Martin’s battle-tested LM 2100 combat bus, the satellite is hardened against cyber and counter-space threats, reflecting the increasing risks posed in orbit.
The Next-Gen OPIR program is intended to eventually replace the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS), also developed by Lockheed Martin. SBIRS has proven its worth in recent years, providing critical early warning of missile attacks including the detection of hundreds of missile launches targeting Israel in 2024 and alerting US forces at Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq during a ballistic missile attack in 2020.
As geopolitical tensions and missile proliferation grow, the deployment of advanced missile detection capabilities such as Next-Gen OPIR is seen as essential to maintaining strategic advantage and ensuring timely defensive responses.