• Northrop Grumman secured a $244 million contract to build advanced relay ground stations in the US and UK for the Next-Gen OPIR program.
• SciTec was awarded a $259 million contract to further develop a ground system for military missile-warning satellites under the FORGE program.
• These contracts are part of a broader US Space Force modernization effort to improve missile warning, tracking, and defense capabilities.

The U.S. Space Force (USSF) is undertaking a significant modernization effort to enhance its missile warning and defense capabilities. As part of this initiative, contracts have been awarded to Northrop Grumman and SciTec to develop advanced ground systems. Northrop Grumman will construct relay ground stations in the United States and the United Kingdom to support the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) program. Simultaneously, SciTec will focus on developing a ground system for missile warning satellite command and control under the Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) program. These developments aim to provide persistent battlespace awareness and improve early detection of missile launches.

• What: Development of advanced relay ground stations and ground systems for missile warning and defense.
• Who: US Space Force, Northrop Grumman, SciTec, Space Systems Command
• When: Contracts awarded in May 2025 (Northrop Grumman on May 5, SciTec on May 6).
• Where: Ground stations will be located in the US and UK. SciTec's development facility is in Boulder, Colorado.

The US Space Force is strategically investing in modernizing its ground systems to enhance missile warning and tracking capabilities. Northrop Grumman's expertise in building adaptable ground stations, as demonstrated by the RGS-A project in Guam, positions them well to support the Next-Gen OPIR program. SciTec's focus on software development for missile detection and data processing, backed by previous contracts under the FORGE program, indicates a long-term commitment to improving the Space Force's ground-based infrastructure. These contracts are crucial for maintaining a decisive edge against potential threats and ensuring the reliability of missile warning systems.

We are developing advanced relay ground stations that are scalable and upgradeable, and prioritize high performance, reliability and mission flexibility for the Next-Gen OPIR program. Our ground systems will enhance communications between Space System Command’s legacy and future Space Based Infrared Systems, providing access to multiple constellations enabling warfighters to maintain a decisive edge against enemy threats.

The US Space Force's contracts with Northrop Grumman and SciTec represent a significant step forward in modernizing its missile warning and defense infrastructure. The development of advanced relay ground stations and ground systems will enhance communication between legacy and future space-based systems, providing warfighters with improved battlespace awareness and early warning capabilities. These initiatives are crucial for maintaining national security and ensuring a robust defense against evolving threats. The ongoing development and integration of these systems will be closely monitored to assess their effectiveness and impact on the US's strategic advantage.