The U.S. Air Force intends to award Lockheed Martin (NYSE: NOC) and Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) separate contracts to help the service branch define requirements for its future missile warning satellite constellation.
Both companies will support the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared program that aims to build a constellation of satellites that will succeed the Space Based Infrared System, the Air Force said Friday.
œAs we develop these new systems, speed matters, said Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson, a 2018 Wash100 recipient.
Lockheed provide initial design services and procure geosynchronous satellite flight hardware while Northrop will determine polar system specification through sole-source contracts.
The branch plans to use a œrapid procurement strategy under the program and aims to launch the first OPIR satellite sometime in 2023.
œThis is more than just building a prototype or a low-cost system, said Will Roper, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology and logistics.
œThis is an important system for the nation, and to ˜go for the gold™ by targeting five years instead of nine years allows us to pick up the pace to defend the nation, added Roper, also a 2018 Wash100 recipient.
