Space Force’s First Next-Gen Missile Warning Launch Pushed to 2026

US Space Force delays launch of next-gen missile warning satellite until 2026

First Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infared spacecraft has been delayed until next spring

Space Force’s first next-gen missile warning launch pushed to 2026

GAO has long warned the program’s first launch would be delayed at least a year. Those projections could prove true, but perhaps for more nuanced reasons.

First Next-Gen OPIR missile warning launch pushed to 2026

Program officials overseeing the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) effort told GAO investigators that the delay was caused not only by developmental problems, but also the Space Force’s launch backlog.