Officials responsible for the US's Next-Gen Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) program reported to the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) that the launch of the first satellite was delayed due to both technical development issues and the US Space Force's launch density.
Reasons for the Delay: Technical Issues and Launch Intensity
According to the statement made by GAO officials, in February 2025, after the information collection process, program officials stated that the satellite would be delivered in September 2025. However, Because the 2025 launch calendar is quite full, The earliest launch of the Next-Gen OPIR GEO satellite It will be launched in March 2026 It was determined by the Space Force's launch program office.
The Next-Gen OPIR system is being developed to replace the current missile warning system, the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS). While there are currently six SBIRS satellites in orbit, the Next-Gen OPIR system will include four satellites: two in geosynchronous orbit (GEO) and two in polar orbit. According to Breaking Defense, this approach reflects the U.S. Space Force’s plans to transition to a more modern, low-orbit, distributed satellite architecture that will be capable of providing early warning and tracking of both ballistic and hypersonic missiles.
Sensor Supply Disruptions
Lockheed Martin is developing the Next-Gen GEO satellites, while the main infrared sensor payload is being built by RTX Corporation. It delivered its RTX sensor package last August, following a 13-month delay due to technical difficulties. As early as April 2024, U.S. Air Force space procurement officer Frank Calvelli warned Congress that payload issues could push the first launch to 2026.
On the other hand, progress is more positive regarding two polar orbit satellites being developed by Northrop Grumman. The GAO report said that project is progressing as planned and that the first launch It will be realized in 2028 This shows that the development challenges for geosynchronous orbit satellites are greater than for polar orbit satellites.
