Sunnyvale, Calif. – A new type of missile warning satellite designed by Lockheed Martin has successfully completed environmental testing.
The first Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) Block 0 missile warning satellite recently completed thermal vacuum (TVAC) and acoustic testing. Completion of both tests, performed at Lockheed Martin Space’s facility in Sunnyvale, California, keeps the satellite on track for delivery.
During TVAC testing, the Next-Gen OPIR GEO satellite faced a grueling, simulated space environment, proving it can operate in and withstand the harsh temperatures and pressures of an extended life in GEO. In acoustic testing, the satellite successfully withstood the violent vibration conditions that it will endure during launch.
With environmental testing complete, the satellite is now in final systems integration testing, which includes testing connections with various ground systems.
Joe Rickers, vice president of Transport, Tracking & Warning Programs at Lockheed Martin, said, “Next-Gen OPIR GEO will enhance America’s persistent, around the clock, global surveillance and detection of missile threats. With the first Next-Gen OPIR GEO available to launch in the near future, Lockheed Martin is ready to support the government’s mission to protect America.”
The new Next-Gen OPIR GEO satellites will work in tandem with SBIRS and future Next-Gen OPIR Polar satellites. These systems will integrate into a multi-layered national missile warning, tracking and defense architecture.
