Sunnyvale, California, 6 August 2025 – Lockheed Martin has successfully completed environmental testing on the first Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) missile warning satellite. The milestone marks a major step forward in the development of a new class of missile warning systems for the U.S. Space Force, designed to meet the challenges of an increasingly contested space domain.
The satellite underwent rigorous thermal vacuum (TVAC) and acoustic testing at Lockheed Martin Space’s Sunnyvale facility. These simulations confirmed the spacecraft’s resilience to the extreme temperatures of geostationary orbit and the intense vibrations of launch conditions. The completion of environmental testing keeps the program on schedule for delivery and launch readiness.
Enhanced Global Surveillance
“Next-Gen OPIR GEO will enhance America’s persistent, around-the-clock global surveillance and detection of missile threats,” said Joe Rickers, vice president of Transport, Tracking & Warning Programs at Lockheed Martin. “With the first satellite available to launch in the near future, Lockheed Martin is ready to support the government’s mission to protect America.”
From its 22,000-mile GEO vantage point, the new satellite’s advanced sensors will provide a broad view of Earth’s mid-latitudes. The system is engineered to detect a wide range of threats, including ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, and evolving technologies with faster burn times and lower infrared signatures.
Built for Resilience
The Next-Gen OPIR GEO satellites are built on Lockheed Martin’s combat-proven LM 2100™ platform and incorporate new levels of resilience against counter-space threats. This next-generation system is designed to complement and eventually replace the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS), which has provided vital early warning capabilities in recent conflict zones, including the Middle East.
In 2024, SBIRS played a crucial role in detecting and alerting allied forces to missile attacks on Israel. In 2020, it provided early warning for U.S. personnel during the attack on Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq.
Supporting Layered Homeland Defence
“America’s best defence is always going to start with having the earliest possible warning of threats – and that warning comes from what we see in space,” said Jeff Schrader, vice president for Strategy and Business Development at Lockheed Martin.
The Next-Gen OPIR GEO satellites will integrate with the existing SBIRS system and future polar-orbiting satellites, forming a resilient, multi-layered architecture for national missile warning, tracking, and defence.
For more information on Lockheed Martin’s integrated air and missile defence capabilities, visit their website.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: LOCKHEED MARTIN
