SSC Next-Gen OPIR Block 0 GEO Program completes System CDR Published Nov. 9, 2021 By Space Systems Command Public Affairs LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Space Systems Command (SSC) successfully conducted a major design review for the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) program, holding its Block 0 Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) System Critical Design Review (CDR) Oct. 26-28, 2021. This system CDR is the culmination of 41 subsystem, mission payload, and ground system design reviews, and confirms the detailed space and ground data processing system design maturity and readiness to proceed with system fabrication, coding, assembly, integration, and test. This major milestone for the Next Gen OPIR program provides evidence that the system design will meet warfighter requirements and counter the evolving space threat. “This successful design review is a major milestone for the integrated space and ground development efforts. It shows that both the space vehicle and essential ground data processing elements are sufficiently mature to continue our launch planning efforts and builds confidence this program will deliver essential capabilities to the warfighter to counter the aggressive actions from U.S. adversaries,” said Col. Daniel Walter, program manager of the Next-Gen OPIR space program. “We are leveraging streamlined acquisition authorities on the Next-Gen OPIR program to prototype solutions rapidly, using available industry capabilities and mature technology, to ensure that we can deliver advanced capabilities to the warfighter at operationally relevant speeds.” The Next-Gen OPIR program will succeed the Space Based Infrared Systems program. Next-Gen OPIR is designed to provide a resilient space-based global missile warning capability against emerging missile, counter-space, and cyber threats. “The Next-Gen OPIR system is a critical cornerstone of our nation’s deterrence strategy, providing a Strategic Missile Warning capability that offers unrivaled performance and resilience against any adversary. As China and Russia continue to modernize, increase their nuclear arsenal, and field anti-satellite capabilities, our Next-Gen OPIR system provides the nation an unblinking eye, warning of a pending attack against our homeland and our allies. It is critical that we field these systems within cost, on schedule, and with the right technology that assures our nation maintains strategic advantage in space,” said Col. Brian Denaro, program executive officer for SSC’s Space Development Corps, which manages the space segment of the Next-Gen OPIR program. The Next-Gen OPIR GEO space vehicles integrate a new OPIR sensor with an enhanced Lockheed Martin 2100 common satellite bus. The satellites will be operated using SSC’s Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) ground system. Early testing on engineering units showed outstanding performance and indicate that the system will meet mission requirements with margin. According to Lt. Col. Chris Carson, the materiel leader for Next-Gen GEO, “Early integration tests have provided high confidence that the system interfaces are understood and the design will meet the performance needed in this important and challenging mission.” Space Systems Command, headquartered at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, Ca., is a U.S. Space Force field command responsible for developing and acquiring lethal and resilient space capabilities for warfighters by rapidly identifying, prototyping, fielding and sustaining innovative, space-based solutions to meet the demands of the National Defense Strategy. SSC’s functions include developmental testing, production, launch, on-orbit checkout, and maintenance of USSF space systems, as well as and oversight of USSF science and technology activities. Interested media representatives may submit questions regarding this topic by sending an e-mail to sscpa.media@spaceforce.mil. Get the latest Los Angeles Garrison and SSC news at www.ssc.spaceforce.mil, via Facebook (@SpaceSystemsCommand) and on Twitter (@USSF_SSC) #SSC #SpaceStartsHere #SemperSupra #SpaceStartsHere #SemperSupra