The new electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) payload production line has been established at Boeing’s satellite facility in El Segundo, positioning the company to deliver advanced space-based sensors at a faster and more consistent rate.
The expansion will directly support Millennium Space Systems in delivering 12 satellites for the United States Space Force under its Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking Medium Earth Orbit program, scheduled for launch in 2027.
The new production capability is designed to help Boeing meet immediate demand while also enabling rapid scaling as governments accelerate investment in space-based surveillance and missile defence systems in response to emerging global threats.
The new EO/IR production area spans approximately 9,000 square feet (about 840 square metres), roughly equivalent to two professional basketball courts. The expanded floor space allows Boeing to establish additional production lines, improve manufacturing efficiency and transition proven sensor technologies into scalable, repeatable manufacturing.
The investment comes as Boeing significantly increases its overall satellite output. The company recorded its highest annual production last year since acquiring Hughes Space and Communications in 2000, with Millennium Space Systems playing a key role in ramping up deliveries.
Boeing’s space mission systems division is now aiming to more than double its output to 26 satellites in 2026, reflecting growing demand for resilient, space-based military and national security capabilities.
The 12 satellites currently under construction by Millennium will each carry Boeing-built EO/IR mission payloads designed to detect and track missile launches from orbit.
Boeing interim vice president of space mission systems, Sam Greaves, said the company was accelerating production while maintaining delivery reliability.
“Last year, we proved we can deliver at pace, and we’re not taking our foot off the gas,” Greaves said.
“We’re moving to more than double our satellite output this year, and investments like this, along with factory upgrades and continued investment in our workforce, are how we achieve that with schedule credibility.”
Millennium Space Systems chief executive Tony Gingiss said the combined capabilities of both organisations were critical to meeting growing customer requirements.
“This demonstrates the scale required to meet customer demands, and we are leading the way,” Gingiss said.
“By combining Millennium’s agility with Boeing’s EO/IR payload capability, we can deliver superior mission performance for the missile warning and tracking program. We will continue expanding our production footprint to advance capability and support future missions.”
The new production line builds on EO/IR sensor technology developed by Boeing Research & Technology and transitions it into higher-rate manufacturing, improving consistency and reliability.
For production teams, the expansion will deliver more stable workflows and repeatable manufacturing processes, ensuring Boeing can meet current commitments while positioning itself to support future defence and space missions.
The move underscores the growing importance of satellite-based missile detection systems, as nations invest heavily in space infrastructure to enhance early warning capabilities and strengthen strategic deterrence.