Raytheon, an RTX business, delivered its second missile-warning sensor to Lockheed Martin on April 28, 2026, for integration into the U.S. Space Force’s Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) Block 0 satellite program.
The satellites, known as NGG and built by Lockheed Martin, will enhance missile warning and tracking capabilities against evolving space-based threats. Raytheon’s sensor payloads incorporate advanced optical designs and algorithms to detect heat signatures from missile launches, including hypersonic weapons and other advanced systems. These sensors offer improved sensitivity and tracking performance within a broader missile warning architecture.
Raytheon designed and built payloads for two satellites under the program. The first satellite is complete and ready to support initial launch capability. The NGG satellites will provide continuous coverage over mid-latitudes, complementing existing constellations in low Earth orbit and medium Earth orbit, as well as current Space Based Infrared Systems.