Raytheon Space

Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading defense technology company providing advanced missile systems, space-based sensors, and ground systems for missile warning and defense. With over 100 years of technology development, Raytheon delivers integrated solutions across land, air, sea, and space domains.

In September 2024, Raytheon delivered its first Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) sensor payload to prime contractor Lockheed Martin, keeping the U.S. Space Force's first GEO Block 0 missile warning satellite on track for 2025 initial launch capability. Two Next-Gen OPIR GEO satellites will provide continuous mid-latitude coverage, with Raytheon designing and building sensor payloads for both satellites.

In May 2024, Raytheon's advanced FORGE MDPAF ground system became operational at the Space Force's Overhead Persistent Infrared Battlespace Awareness Center. This modular framework processes satellite data from both the existing Space Based Infrared System constellation and future Next-Gen OPIR systems, enabling fast integration of mission-focused applications to process, exploit, and disseminate information from space-based sensors.

Raytheon operates a 49,000 square-foot Space Systems Operations facility in Tucson, Arizona, where technicians, engineers, and operators develop, test, and assemble highly precise defensive weapons known as kill vehicles that track and defeat ballistic missiles in space. In April 2024, Raytheon was awarded a $344 million contract for SM-2 Block IIICU and SM-6 Block IU missile development. The company continues advancing space-based missile warning and defense technologies.