According to a press release, Rocket Lab will produce solar cells and radiation-resistant assemblies for Lockheed Martin's developing missile warning satellites.
The US will run the geostationary Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) satellites, which is an effort to protect American interests from space, as stated by the Space Force.
In accordance with a deal announced on July 27 between Lockheed Martin and Rocket Lab, the latter will assist in the construction of the military satellites, which are slated to be launched beginning in 2025.
The Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next Gen OPIR) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) program of the United States Space Force will use the solar cell assemblies to power three Lockheed Martin spacecraft that are intended to provide robust space-based global missile warning capabilities to meet emerging threats from adversaries.
"Critical To The Mission Needs"
As reported by Interesting Engineering, any incoming ballistic or tactical missile launch imminent from anywhere in the world will be forewarned by the satellites.
These satellites are a part of the U.S.' efforts to militarize space in response to the 2020's "Spacepower" military doctrine for the Space Force
"These satellites are critical to the mission needs of the United States Space Force and our national security, and we are proud to be supporting their production on an aggressive schedule," said Brad Clevenger, Rocket Lab's Vice President & General Manager, Space Systems Power Solutions.
After its $80 million purchase of New Mexico-based solar power system producer SolAero Technologies in January, Rocket Lab's new agreement will likely represent an excellent return on investment.
In 1998, SolAero was established, and since then, it has created solar power systems for the newly-minted James Webb Telescope, NASA's Parker Solar Probe, the Mars Insight Lander, and the Cygnus cargo spacecraft, according to Interesting Engineering.
New Solar Cells
Rocket Lab revealed in March that the newly acquired SolAero division was working on new solar cells called d IMM-β. These cells will cost much less to launch into orbit and boast a conversion efficiency of approximately 33.3% in volume production. They will also be more than 40% lighter than usual space-designed solar cells.
Three of the Next-Gen OPIR satellites will be built by Lockheed Martin under a $4.9 billion contract that was awarded in January.
Five Next-Gen OPIR satellites were the subject of contracts awarded by the U.S. Space Force; three were made by Lockheed Martin in geosynchronous orbit and two by Northrop Grumman in polar orbit.
Rocket Lab was established in New Zealand in 1998, and it is renowned for some avant-garde designs, such as its fairing that was inspired by Hungry Hungry Hippo and its method for capturing first-stage rocket boosters with helicopters.
As noted by Interesting Engineering, the company has recently assisted NASA in launching its CAPSTONE smallsat towards the Moon as part of a mission that will lay the groundwork for the lunar Gateway project.
Related Article: Rocket Lab Tries Catching an Electron Rocket Booster with Helicopter
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Written by Joaquin Victor Tacla
