RTX's Raytheon delivers Missile-Warning Sensor

Rhea-AI Summary

Raytheon, an RTX business, has delivered its first sensor payload for the U.S. Space Force's Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) Block 0 missile warning satellite. This delivery to prime contractor Lockheed Martin keeps the project on track for a 2025 initial launch capability. The Next-Gen OPIR GEO satellites aim to enhance missile warning resilience and performance, with two satellites eventually providing continuous coverage over mid-latitudes.

Prior to delivery, Raytheon completed important assessments, including thermal vacuum testing to validate digital models and ensure the sensor meets design requirements. The second sensor payload is over 60% complete and scheduled for thermal vacuum testing in early 2025. These payloads are designed to offer early, resilient warning against increasingly challenging ballistic threats from adversaries.

Positive

• Delivery of first sensor payload keeps project on track for 2025 launch
• Successful completion of thermal vacuum testing for the first payload
• Second sensor payload is over 60% complete

Negative

• None.

USSF Next-Gen OPIR payload to provide critical missile warning data

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Sept. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, delivered its first sensor payload to prime contractor Lockheed Martin, keeping the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command's first Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared, or Next-Gen OPIR, Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) Block 0 missile warning satellite on track for a 2025 initial launch capability.

Designed to improve missile warning resilience and performance, two Next-Gen OPIR GEO satellites will eventually provide continuous coverage over mid-latitudes to the existing constellation. Raytheon is designing and building sensor payloads for both satellites.

Prior to delivery of the first payload, Raytheon completed a series of assessments including thermal vacuum testing. Thermal vacuum testing exposes the payload to a space-like environment and validates digital models to ensure the sensor meets design requirements. The second sensor payload is more than 60 percent completed and is scheduled to start thermal vacuum testing in early 2025.

"Persistent early warning of missile threats is critical to our national security," said Sandy Brown, vice president for Mission Solutions & Payloads for Raytheon. "Our payloads offer early, resilient warning against increasingly challenging ballistic threats from adversaries."

About Raytheon
Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and partners defend their national sovereignty and ensure their security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new technologies and enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonics and missile defense across land, air, sea and space.

About RTX
With more than 185,000 global employees, RTX pushes the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2023 sales of $69 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtxs-raytheon-delivers-missile-warning-sensor-302261576.html

SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What is the purpose of RTX's Next-Gen OPIR GEO Block 0 satellite?

The Next-Gen OPIR GEO Block 0 satellite is designed to improve missile warning resilience and performance, providing continuous coverage over mid-latitudes to enhance the existing constellation.

When is the expected launch date for RTX's first Next-Gen OPIR GEO Block 0 satellite?

The first Next-Gen OPIR GEO Block 0 satellite is on track for an initial launch capability in 2025.

What testing did Raytheon complete on the sensor payload for RTX's Next-Gen OPIR satellite?

Raytheon completed thermal vacuum testing on the sensor payload, which exposes it to a space-like environment and validates digital models to ensure the sensor meets design requirements.

How many Next-Gen OPIR GEO satellites is RTX planning to deploy?

RTX is planning to deploy two Next-Gen OPIR GEO satellites to provide continuous coverage over mid-latitudes.