C4ISRNet:
The Air Force’s next generation early warning missile defense satellite passed a preliminary design review, the service announced Oct. 10.
Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared system is being built to replace the Space-Based Infrared System, a crucial part of the nation’s missile defense architecture. The Space and Missile Systems Center has awarded contracts for five Next Gen OPIR satellites: three in geosynchronous orbit and two covering the polar regions. Lockheed Martin was selected to build the former while Northrop Grumman was selected to build the latter.
