Space Force plans to spend around $14.4 billion over the next 5 years to develop the Next Gen OPIR system, comprised of satellites and a ground system to detect and track missiles, among other things. Without documenting roles, responsibilities, and plans, DOD risks ineffective collaboration and unsynchronized delivery of warfighter capabilities. However, coordination mechanisms are not formalized. DOD has initiated multi-agency efforts to determine how to meet future needs. The first Next Gen OPIR satellites are intended to provide missile warning capabilities and support other mission partners. More transparency in schedules and costs would contribute to better Department of Defense (DOD) and congressional oversight and decision-making. Although officials are aware of schedule risks, they continue to present an on-track timeline and stable cost estimates in reports to congressional committees. Significant schedule delays typically result in cost increases. Notional Depiction of Current and Planned OPIR Satellite Orbitsĭespite early steps to speed up development, the Next Gen OPIR program faces significant technical and managerial challenges-such as developing a new mission payload and serving as the lead system integrator for the first time in this area-that are likely to delay the initial launch. The figure below presents a notional depiction of current and planned OPIR systems.

The Space Force plans to launch the first of five Next Gen OPIR satellites in 2025. The planned Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next Gen OPIR) system is intended to replace the Space Based Infrared System, which began in the mid-1990s. These sensors provide early warning of ballistic missile launches and contribute to other defense and intelligence missions. defense and intelligence communities depend on data from overhead persistent infrared sensors.

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