USSF Next Gen OPIR programme completes Block 0 GEO Space Vehicle CDR

The US Space Force’s Space System Command (USSF SSC), Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared programme (OPIR) successfully passed a major milestone on August 20. This came after completing its Block 0 Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) Space Vehicle Critical Design Review (CDR).

This CDR, which is a culmination of 34 subsystem and payload reviews, locks the space vehicle technical baseline. It is a key step in validating satellite design maturity and readiness to proceed on to the next stages of flight-unit fabrication, assembly, system integration and test.

Next GEN OPIR satellite
An artist’s rendering of the Next Gen GEO OPIR space vehicle. Lockheed Martin
 

Col Brian Denaro, program executive officer for Space Development and director of SSC’s Space Development Corps which manages the Next Gen OPIR program said “With this successful CDR, we remain on schedule to launch the first GEO satellite in 2025. As the backbone of our nation’s assured missile warning capability, we are leveraging streamlined acquisition authorities on the Next Gen OPIR program to prototype solutions rapidly, using available industry capabilities and mature technology, to ensure that we can deliver advanced capabilities to the war fighter at operationally relevant speeds.”

The Next Gen OPIR programme is designed to provide a space based global missile warning capability against emerging missile and counter-space threats. The Next Gen OPIR GEO Space vehicles integrate a new OPIR sensor with enhanced 2100 common satellite bus made by Lockheed Martin.

Early integration demonstrations were performed to support this CDR on engineering developmental units. These demonstrations are to prove that the Satellite components will meet the requirements of the Department of Defence. The Next Gen OPIR Block 0 GEO System will undergo another CDR later this year.