Raytheon, an RTX business, delivered its second advanced sensor for the U.S. Space Force’s Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) program. The company sent the payload to Lockheed Martin, the program's prime contractor.
These payloads provide enhanced tracking for evolving threats, including hypersonic weapons. Advanced algorithms detect heat signatures from missile launches to improve sensitivity. The technology forms part of a resilient space-based missile warning architecture.
The delivery advances the Next-Gen OPIR Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) program's goal of continuous surveillance. Raytheon Vice President Jeff McCall cited accelerating demand for resilient missile tracking and expanded mission coverage.