Northrop Grumman to develop additional relay ground stations to support US Space Force’s next-generation OPIR Program

Northrop Grumman’s relay ground stations would be deployed to support the U.S. Space Force’s Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) program. (Credit: Northrop Grumman)

Northrop Grumman Corporation has been awarded a multiple-award indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract by the US Space Force (USSF) to provide advanced relay ground stations in the US and UK to support the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) program.

This modernization initiative aligns with the USSF’s mission to revolutionize US defense systems and follows the initial Relay Ground Station-Asia (RGS-A) award Northrop Grumman received in 2022.

• These ground stations will result in expanded coverage of critical missile warning and tracking OPIR satellites, and additional flexibility for operational capability.

• Northrop Grumman is using its proven modular and flexible design and building on the success of its RGS-A program currently under development in Guam.

• The ground stations will support multiple satellite constellations, adapting seamlessly to changes in bandwidth and resiliency requirements.

Calvin Pennamon, director, operational exploitation systems, Northrop Grumman: “We are developing advanced relay ground stations that are scalable and upgradeable, and prioritize high performance, reliability and mission flexibility for the Next-Gen OPIR program. 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.”

Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, on behalf of the Space Systems Command, selected Northrop Grumman to participate under the $244 million IDIQ contract.

The development of these advanced relay ground stations is a pivotal component of the US Space Force’s endeavor to revamp existing missile-warning and missile-defense systems through the Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution system.

Next-Gen OPIR is the cornerstone of the U.S. integrated missile warning, tracking, and defense mission architecture, providing persistent battlespace awareness and time-critical missile warning for our nation and allies.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our employees define possible every day.