U.S. Space Force chooses BAE Systems to develop prototype missile warning system

BAE Systems will develop a prototype ground system of a missile warning system for the U.S. Space Force, after being awarded a contract for the Space Systems Command (SSC) Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution Command and Control (FORGE C2) project.

The system should eventually lead to command control capabilities to detect and track missile launches.

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

FORGE C2 seeks to expand on current ground architecture, integrating newer technologies and more. It will integrate functionality, including telemetry, tracking, command, flight dynamics, mission management, and ground resource management, under one collective foundation. Ideally, having them under one umbrella will allow speedier integration of next-generation assets as they appear, operating under the most current OPIR constellation.

Eventually, the prototype would provide the Space Force with command and control capabilities for its Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) GEO (NGG) and Next-Generation OPIR Polar (NGP) systems, and aid tradition from the legacy Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) assets.

All of this is part of Phase 1 of the project, of which BAE Systems is one of four companies participating. Focused on integration and demonstration of prototype potential, designs that make it through could be chosen for further development and testing ahead of a first Next-Generation OPIR polar satellite launch in 2028.