Northrop Grumman Corporation successfully completed a Critical Design Review (CDR) for Relay Ground Station-Asia (RGS-A) for a contract with US Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific on behalf of the US Space Force's Space Systems Command to support operation of legacy and future missile-warning satellites.

• The CDR confirms Northrop Grumman's ability to transform the existing missile-warning system for a 2025 installation date, 18 months prior to the end of the contract.
• Northrop Grumman worked with L3 Harris Technologies to validate the designs during the CDR, which took place only four months after a successful Preliminary Design Review (PDR).The PDR was also completed early.
• The CDR included various subsystem designs, validation and verification plans and methodology, and final details of the system integration at the deployed location in Guam.

Expert:

Calvin Pennamon, director, operational exploitation systems, Northrop Grumman: "Completing this CDR ahead of schedule showcases our commitment and ability to quickly respond to the NIWC Pacific's pressing schedule requirements. We are on track to revolutionize current Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) and Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) missile-warning constellation infrastructure with a much-needed capability in the Pacific region."

Details:

RGS-A is a critical component of the nation's missile-warning system that will enable the US Space Force's Space Systems Command to transform the existing missile-warning system with the Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) system.

A cornerstone of the FORGE architecture includes developing relay ground stations capable of supporting existing and new satellite constellations with the ability to handle changes in bandwidth and availability.