US Space Force selects Northrop Grumman to provide next-gen missile warning satellites

Northrop Grumman, the American aerospace and defence technology specialist, has won a contract to provide the hardware for the first two United States Space Force (USSF) polar-orbiting space vehicles.

The contract, awarded by the USSF is worth up to $2.37 billion. It will be for design and development work in Phase 1 of the Next-Generation OPIR (Overhead Persistent Infrared) Polar programme.

The company will provide flight hardware and ground system development and also perform critical risk reduction in support of a critical design review.

“Northrop Grumman is proud to partner with the Space Force on the Next-Gen OPIR program,” said Sarah Willoughby, vice president and program manager, Next Generation OPIR, Northrop Grumman. “For more than 50 years, Northrop Grumman has supported our warfighters with Overhead Persistent Infrared technology systems. We look forward to continuing to provide dependable end-to-end missile warning systems through this program.”

The Polar programme is described as a critical element of the UNited State’s strategic missile warning system.