(Washington, D.C.) It almost seems so obvious it could easily be overlooked …. ICBMs and even long-range ballistic missiles could be launched over the Arctic to more quickly and directly attack enemies half a world away. The fastest and most direct route between North America and parts of Russia or even China might be straight over the Arctic, given the distance across the Pacific or Atlantic and European continent.
Northrop Grumman is working on a development contract with the Pentagon on a “Next-Gen Polar” satellite system and payload technologies specifically engineered to establish a continuous track or threat trajectory across otherwise separated radar fields of regard…such as those covering the Arctic.
Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Polar Program
In a multi-billion dollar deal awarded by the United States Space Force, Northrop Grumman will provide flight hardware, ground system development and risk reduction functions for Phase 1 of what’s called Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Polar program. The deal covers the design and development of the first two polar-orbiting space vehicles, according to a Northrop statement.
“We are working with the MDA to define a spiral approach to do a prototype constellation that will involve a handful of satellites using optical cross links,”
Mike Ciffone, director, Strategy, Capture & Operations, OPIR & Geospatial Systems, Northrop Grumman, told reports at the SMD Symposium.
Overhead Persistent Infrared Next-Gen GEO Program
In a related effort, Northrop is also working on payload technologies to support Lockheed Martin’s now in development Overhead Persistent Infrared Next-Gen GEO program.
Success in developing a track relies upon both establishing a continued target trajectory and an ability to share, network or transmit the track information from one satellite to another and one satellite to ground-based command and control centers.
