US Space Force awards contract to develop ground system prototype missile warning system

News, US March 6, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. Space Systems Command (SSC) awarded BAE Systems and three other firms a contract to develop a ground system prototype for the U.S. Space Force missile warning system.

According to the BAE Systems release, “Prototype ground system will provide the Space Force with command and control capabilities to detect and track missile launches.”

The selected defense firms are set to provide a prototype ground system for the U.S. Space Force’s SSC Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution Command and Control (FORGE C2) project.

The first phase of the project focuses on the integration and demonstration of prototype capabilities. After the completion of Phase 1, one or more designs will be selected for further development and testing in support of the first Next-Generation OPIR polar satellite launch currently scheduled for 2028.

“BAE Systems will integrate proven capabilities into a prototype ground system that will allow the Space Force to provide command and control capabilities for Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) GEO (NGG) and Next-Generation OPIR Polar (NGP) systems as well as enabling the transition of the legacy Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) assets,” the statement highlighted.

The primary objective of the FORGE C2 initiative is to advance the existing ground architecture by incorporating cutting-edge technologies and innovative architectural approaches.

*^{Rendering image of Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) polar-orbiting satellites. (Image Credit: Northrop Grumman)}*

FORGE C2 aims to incorporate various functionalities, including telemetry, tracking, command, flight dynamics, mission management, and ground resource management, within a unified framework. This framework will streamline the swift integration of emerging next-generation assets by providing a singular capability for operating both the current and future OPIR constellation, thus decreasing operational costs.

Vice president and general manager of Ground Systems & Services for BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems, Don Speranzini said, “We’re confident that our innovative approach to FORGE C2 will deliver the best solution to support the future of this vital program.”

Speranzini highlighted that “The Space Force’s ability to accurately and efficiently detect and track missile launches is of the utmost importance to our nation’s ability to defend against these growing threats to national security.”