Space Mod Initiative
Abstract
Next-Gen OPIR Space Modernization Initiative (SMI) (Project 657009): To better enable response to emerging global missile threats, SMI advances critical capabilities and reduces risk through three major thrust areas: Demonstrations/Prototypes, Technology Maturation, and Data Exploitation. Demonstrations rapidly prototype new game-changing technologies for the broader mission warning enterprise by delivering ground and on-orbit prototypes. Demonstrations advance OPIR capabilities for missile warning and tracking ensuring a low risk, smooth transition of advanced technology to future operational systems. Technology Maturation focuses investments on high pay-off critical components to reduce production risks and development costs. Technology Maturation focuses development on advanced IR sensing optics and electronics, resiliency hardware and software, and on-board processing algorithms and on-board computers. Data Exploitation provides return-on-investment aimed at ingest and fusion of current and future multiple sensor program data to enhance Missile Warning (MW), Missile Defense (MD), Battlespace Awareness (BA) and Technical Intelligence (TI) mission capabilities. This includes the processing and exploitation of the Wide Field of View (WFOV) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) wideband sensor data focused on dimmer threat targets, as well as future programs data including Next-Gen GEO and Polar, Missile Track Custody (MTC), Medium-Earth Orbit (MEO), Resilient Missile Warning/Missile Tracking (MW/MT), and others. Data Exploitation includes maintaining the Tool, Applications, and Processing (TAP) Lab facility where enhanced software applications and algorithms for detection, tracking and visualization are developed and delivered in support of the Space Operations Command, Delta 4, 11th Space Warning Center and Air Combat Command (ACC)/26th Intelligence Squadron operators within the Overhead Persistent Infrared Battlespace Awareness Center (OBAC) at Buckley Space Force Base (SFB). Data Exploitation also supports other mission areas to include Civil Support such as wildland fire tracking solutions. Data Exploitation also funds facilities and integration to support initial prototype operations until a transition to a space force operational unit is feasible. SMI supports Next-Gen OPIR by maturing new technologies to enable detection of new and challenging missile threats. SMI funds engineering activities to reduce both production and future system costs through manufacturing and producibility enhancements, and technology insertion. SMI includes studies and risk reduction activities to evolve the current Program of Record (PoR) constellation and/or simultaneously mature breakthrough technologies to create a leap in capability for follow-on systems to include FORGE, Next-Gen GEO and Polar, and Resilient MW/MT MEO.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 657009_1206442SF_5_3620F_PB_2025
Related Documents
- Root: Next Generation OPIR
- Child Accomplishment: Demonstrations/Prototypes
- Child Accomplishment: Technology Maturation
- Child Accomplishment: Data Exploitation
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