U.S. Space Force retires DSP constellation, readies next-gen OPIR

The U.S. Space Force’s 2nd Space Warning Squadron conducted dynamic on-orbit maneuvers with two Defense Support Program satellites during U.S. Space Command’s Apollo Maneuvers 2026 live-fly exercise in September, ahead of a planned decommissioning of the legacy spacecraft into supersynchronous orbit.

First launched in the early 1970s, the DSP constellation has been a cornerstone of space-based missile warning, using powerful infrared sensors from geosynchronous orbit to detect heat signatures and relay data through a global network of ground stations.

“The DSP constellation was foundational to the defense of our nation and MWT enterprise,” said U.S. Space Force Col. Brandon Davenport, Mission Delta 4 Commander. “These last two satellites were the culminating end to over a half century of space-based early warning. The DSP constellation ensured deterrence during the Cold War and protected our deployed warfighters from the Gulf War until their retirement last month.”

While DSP provided uninterrupted service to the joint force alongside the Space Based Infrared (SBIRS) constellation, launched in 2011, Mission Delta 4 is preparing to integrate the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (NGG) system into its missile warning and tracking architecture. “With these new capabilities,” Davenport continues. “MD4 will continue to strengthen our network of ground- and space-based sensors to defend our nation and protect our joint warfighters against today’s more advanced threats.”

Guardians in 2 SWS operate and maintain on-orbit missile warning and tracking capabilities, including dynamic maneuvers in contested environments as simulated during Apollo Maneuvers 2026, and are preparing for Launch and Early Orbit Testing for NGG. “Retiring our legacy DSP system allows us to best posture for the future,” said USSF Lt. Col. Ann Hughes, 2 SWS Commander. “Our crews are always ready on each and every system they operate to ensure seamless MWT. Onboarding future systems requires training for every scenario from unforeseen software issues to countering adversary aggression on orbit. We’re focused on providing a reliable, consistent, and seamless picture of missile threats regardless of the operational environment.”

2 SWS teams have begun training to onboard NGG and other elements of the Space Force’s future Overhead Persistent Infrared architecture. Mission Delta 4 continues to operate and maintain SBIRS while integrating new technologies in partnership with Space Systems Command to enhance ground- and space-based sensing and missile detection capabilities.

Combat Forces Command, one of three Space Force field commands and the service force provider, is focused on generating and presenting combat-ready forces, bolstering resiliency across personnel and installations, and advocating for combat-ready spacepower from the future force to the fielded force. The command encompasses eight integrated mission and space deltas and three space base deltas focused on Space Domain Awareness; Space Electromagnetic Warfare; Missile Warning and Tracking; Cyberspace Warfare; Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting; Satellite Communications; Orbital Warfare; and Navigational Warfare.