NGC Enhances Design of Next-Gen Overhead Persistent Infrared
Stay informed with our
free newsletters

NGC Enhances Design of Next-Gen Overhead Persistent Infrared Polar Satellites

  • Digital technology keeps the development of polar-orbit missile-warning satellites on an accelerated pace

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has refined the design of Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Polar (NGP) satellites by leveraging digital technology called Highly Immersive Virtual Environment (HIVE). The satellites are being built by Northrop Grumman for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC).

Northrop Grumman’s HIVE technology allows engineers to design, build, maintain and service satellites in virtual reality before any hardware is manufactured or procured. Real-time modeling, simulation, visualization and human interaction reduce technical costs and risks early in the development phases.

“With digital engineering, we can move through the design, testing and manufacturing phases quickly and with agility, saving money and significantly reducing development timelines for large systems,” said Carol Erikson, vice president, systems engineering and digital transformation, Northrop Grumman.

Military Simulation and Virtual Training - Market and Technology Forecast to 2030

Military Simulation and Virtual Training - Market and Technology Forecast to 2030

Market forecasts by Region, Component, Simulator, Type, Service, Software, Hardware, and by End-User. Market and Technology Overview, Market Dynamics, Impact and Opportunity Analysis, and Leading Companies

Download free sample pages More information

As part of the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared System (Next-Gen OPIR), two NGP satellites will provide precise, timely sensor coverage over the northern hemisphere to help deter and defend against ballistic and hypersonic missiles. NGP combines Northrop Grumman’s proven experience in missile warning and defense with a commitment to delivering NGP at an accelerated pace.

During a recent HIVE demonstration, conducted at the company’s facility in Redondo Beach, California, Northrop Grumman engineers donned virtual-reality goggles and motion-capture suits to simulate the integration and assembly of the satellites’ key components. Engineers validated the NGP design and will continue to use digital technology in the next stages of the satellites’ development.

In March 2022, Northrop Grumman announced its partnership with Ball Aerospace to design and develop the two NGP satellite infrared payloads in the first phase of a $1.89 billion SSC contract.


Publishdate:
Mar 14, 2023
Northrop Grumman Corporation
View original News release

Digital Engineering for Defense Summit 2025

Digital Engineering for Defense Summit 2025

Washington, DC
Jun 25 - 26, 2025

View agenda
Airborne ISR Conference 2025

Airborne ISR Conference 2025

London, United Kingdom
Oct 22 - 23, 2025

View agenda