On 4 January American aerospace/defence manufacturer Lockheed Martin received a US$4.9 billion contract from the US Space Force. This follows on from an initial US$2.9 billion “development” contract received in 2018. The first was to begin work on the Next-Gen OPIR (Overhead Persistent Infrared) system. Specifically, Lockheed Martin is responsible for three GEO satellites in the missile early-warning system. The second contract covers manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing, and delivery of the three OPIR GEO satellites, and stipulates delivery of the first by May 2028.
Artist’s impression of an Next-Gen OPIR GEO unit in-orbit. Courtesy of Lockheed Martin
