SpaceNews:

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $4.9 billion contract for the production of three geosynchronous Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared satellites, the Pentagon announced on Jan. 4.

The satellites will be operated by the U.S. Space Force and provide initial warning of a ballistic or tactical missile launch anywhere on the globe.

The Space Force is acquiring five Next-Gen OPIR satellites — the three geosynchronous orbit satellites made by Lockheed Martin and two polar orbit satellites made by Northrop Grumman.

The Space and Missile Systems Center in August 2018 awarded Lockheed Martin a $2.9 billion contract for the development of the three GEO satellites. The new contract is for manufacturing, assembly, integration, testing, and delivery by May 2028. The contract also covers ground system software and systems engineering…

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