Raytheon's Next-Gen OPIR sensor payload passes CDR

Raytheon Technologies announced this week it completed a critical design review for the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared system Block 0 sensor payload.

The company's payload is competing with one being designed by a Northrop Grumman and Ball Aerospace team, which passed CDR earlier this summer. Lockheed Martin is developing the geosynchronous satellites and will work with the Space Force to select a final payload design.

Raytheon said in a press release this week the timing of the milestone is on pace with the program's schedule.

The Space Force expects the first Next-Gen OPIR satellite to launch in 2025.