Raytheon delivers second missile-warning sensor to U.S. Space Force

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., April 28, 2026 — Raytheon has delivered its second sensor to Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Space Force’s Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) Block 0 satellite program, known as NGG. The satellites are intended to provide enhanced missile warning and tracking to address evolving space-based threats.

The Raytheon-built payloads employ advanced optical designs and algorithms to detect the heat signatures of missile launches, including hypersonic weapon systems and other advanced threats, and are designed to deliver improved sensitivity and tracking performance as part of an advanced missile warning architecture.

“Demand for resilient missile warning and tracking across all orbital regimes continues to accelerate,” said Jeff McCall, vice president for Mission Solutions & Payloads for Raytheon. “Programs like NGG demonstrate how high-altitude, long-duration observation sensing unlocks new mission coverage in key areas.”

Lockheed Martin’s NGG satellites will provide continuous coverage over mid-latitudes, complementing the current satellite constellation and new entrants in Low Earth Orbit and Medium Earth Orbit.

Raytheon designed and built the sensor payloads for two satellites. The first satellite is complete and ready to support initial launch capability.