Lockheed Martin has completed environmental testing on the first Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) missile warning satellite, a key step toward its delivery to the U.S. Space Force.
The satellite, developed under the Next-Gen OPIR program, underwent thermal vacuum and acoustic testing at the company’s facility in Sunnyvale, California. These tests are designed to validate the satellite’s ability to withstand the operational conditions of space, including extreme temperature fluctuations and launch-related vibrations.
With environmental trials concluded, the satellite is now undergoing final systems integration testing, including its compatibility with ground-based infrastructure. Lockheed Martin confirmed that the program remains on schedule for delivery.
The Next-Gen OPIR GEO satellites are intended to provide global, persistent surveillance for early missile threat detection. Operating from geosynchronous orbit—about 22,000 miles above the Earth—the satellite will use advanced sensors to detect a range of threats, including ballistic and hypersonic missiles.
According to Lockheed Martin, the sensors are engineered to track fast-burning, low-visibility missile types, addressing emerging capabilities developed by potential adversaries. The spacecraft is based on the LM 2100 satellite bus, which includes measures to enhance resilience against counter-space threats.
The program is positioned to eventually replace the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS), also developed by Lockheed Martin. SBIRS has been involved in various missile detection operations over the past decade, including identifying missile launches aimed at U.S. forces and allies in the Middle East.
Once operational, the Next-Gen OPIR GEO satellites will be integrated with both existing SBIRS assets and upcoming polar-orbiting OPIR satellites, contributing to a broader U.S. missile warning and defense architecture.
