The $244 million initiative aims to modernise the current missile warning and defence systems through the Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) system. These new ground stations will expand coverage of OPIR satellites and improve flexibility for operational capability.
Northrop Grumman will leverage its modular and flexible design, previously proven in the Relay Ground Station-Asia (RGS-A) project currently under development in Guam. The ground stations will support multiple satellite constellations, enabling them to adapt to changing bandwidth and resiliency requirements.
“We are developing advanced relay ground stations that are scalable and upgradeable, and prioritise high performance, reliability and mission flexibility for the Next-Gen OPIR program,” said Calvin Pennamon, director, operational exploitation systems, Northrop Grumman. “Our ground systems will enhance communications between Space System Command’s legacy and future Space Based Infrared Systems, providing access to multiple constellations enabling warfighters to maintain a decisive edge against enemy threats.”
Next-Gen OPIR forms a critical element of the U.S. missile warning and tracking architecture, delivering persistent battlespace awareness and rapid missile warning for the United States and its allies.
Source: Northrop Grumman (press release).
