On January 4, the U.S. Department of Defense announced a $4.9 billion contract with Lockheed Martin for the manufacture and delivery of next-generation overhead persistent infrared satellites. OPIR satellites detect ballistic and tactical missile launches around the world. These OPIR satellites will be deployed by the U.S. Space Force as early as 2025.

The OPIR satellites will provide minutes of warning about imminent missile strikes — enough time to shelter and mobilize countermeasures. IR sensors and focal plane arrays are the preferred technology for high-altitude missile detection applications. The sensors are able to detect mid-wave, long-wave and very-long-wave IR from distant missile launches. This permits the satellites to detect missile launches from thousands of miles away, and provide targets minutes of notice to hunker down and mobilize missile defenses.

These geosynchronous satellites will coexist with two polar orbiting satellites manufactured by Northrup Grumman to provide the next era of enemy missile detection. They will replace the space-based infrared systems that currently deliver this service. This technology is credited with preventing American causalities during a strike by Iranian missiles on Al Assad U.S. Air Base in January 2020.

Military officials feel these satellites are vulnerable to new anti-satellite missiles from hostile countries, in addition to their obsolescent technologies.

Lockheed was previously awarded a $2.9 billion contract for the development of the OPIR satellites.

Source: Space News