RTX's Raytheon delivers second missile-warning sensor to U.S. Space Force

Raytheon (NYSE: RTX) delivered a second missile-warning sensor to Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Space Force Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) GEO Block 0 program on April 28, 2026.

Rhea-AI Summary

Raytheon (NYSE: RTX) delivered a second missile-warning sensor to Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Space Force Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) GEO Block 0 program on April 28, 2026. The sensor payload advances sensitivity and tracking to detect missile and hypersonic launch signatures.

Raytheon designed and built payloads for two satellites; the first is complete and ready to support initial launch capability, and the NGG satellites will provide continuous mid-latitude coverage to complement existing constellations in LEO and MEO.

Positive

• Second sensor delivered to Lockheed Martin for Next-Gen OPIR GEO Block 0
• Two sensor payloads built by Raytheon, with the first ready for initial launch capability
• Improved detection sensitivity for missile and hypersonic launch signatures
• Continuous mid-latitude coverage to complement LEO and MEO constellations

Negative

• None.

Argus Apr 28 session

+1.33% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – RTX

In the Apr 28 session, RTX gained 1.33%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement highlights Raytheon’s delivery of a second Next-Gen OPIR sensor payload for the U....

Analysis

This announcement highlights Raytheon’s delivery of a second Next-Gen OPIR sensor payload for the U.S. Space Force’s NGG GEO Block 0 satellites, reinforcing RTX’s role in missile warning and tracking against advanced threats. It follows strong Q1 2026 results with $22.1B in sales, $1.78 adjusted EPS and a $271B backlog. Investors may monitor future NGG milestones, broader defense demand, and execution on RTX’s raised $92.5–$93.5B sales and $6.70–$6.90 EPS outlook.

Key Figures

Next-Gen OPIR sensors: 2 sensors NGG payload satellites: 2 satellites Q1 2026 sales: $22.1B +5 more

Next-Gen OPIR sensors

2 sensors

Raytheon sensor deliveries for NGG Block 0 GEO satellites

NGG payload satellites

2 satellites

Raytheon-designed sensor payloads for two NGG GEO Block 0 satellites

Q1 2026 sales

$22.1B

RTX Q1 2026 results 8-K summary

Q1 2026 adjusted EPS

$1.78

RTX Q1 2026 earnings release

Backlog

$271B

RTX Q1 2026 earnings release and 8-K

Raised 2026 sales outlook

$92.5–$93.5B

RTX 8-K updating 2026 adjusted sales guidance

Raised 2026 EPS outlook

$6.70–$6.90

RTX 8-K updating 2026 adjusted EPS guidance

Free cash flow guidance

$8.25–$8.75B

RTX 8-K reaffirming 2026 free cash flow range

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Apr 22

5 events

1. Apr 22

   Capacity expansion

   24h Move

   -3.6%

   Pratt & Whitney invests $100M in Poland to lift engine parts output by 30%.

2. Apr 21

   Capacity expansion

   24h Move

   -4.4%

   Over $100M invested to expand three U.S. GTF MRO sites and boost capacity.

3. Apr 21

   New facility opening

   24h Move

   -4.4%

   New Morocco plant to machine engine parts and add about 200 jobs by 2030.

4. Apr 21

   Earnings report

   24h Move

   -4.4%

   Strong Q1 with higher sales, EPS and raised full-year guidance for 2026.

5. Apr 20

   Defense contract milestone

   24h Move

   -0.3%

   Raytheon delivers first Next Generation Jammer shipsets to Australian Air Force.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

next-generation overhead persistent infrared, next-gen opir, geosynchronous earth orbit, low earth orbit, +2 more

6 terms

next-generation overhead persistent infrared technical

"for the U.S. Space Force's Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR)"

A next-generation overhead persistent infrared system is an advanced space-based sensor network that continuously watches Earth in infrared light to detect heat signatures—such as rocket launches, missile plumes, or large fires—day or night and through clouds. Investors care because upgraded OPIR satellites and sensors typically drive large defense and aerospace contracts, recurring service and data sales, and strategic advantages for governments and operators, similar to upgrading from a single security camera to a nationwide, always-on alarm system.

next-gen opir technical

"Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit"

Next-gen OPIR stands for next-generation Overhead Persistent Infrared, a class of advanced satellite sensors that continuously watch Earth for heat signatures such as rocket or missile launches and large fires. For investors, these systems matter because they drive defense and space spending, create long-term contracts for builders and operators, and can shift geopolitical risk assessments—think of them as high-tech smoke detectors in orbit that provide early warning and strategic information.

geosynchronous earth orbit technical

"Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO)"

A geosynchronous earth orbit is a path around Earth where a satellite takes the same amount of time to circle the planet as the planet takes to rotate—about one day—so the satellite returns to the same position over the surface each day and, if placed exactly above the equator, appears nearly fixed in the sky. For investors, these orbits host communications, broadcast and weather satellites that provide continuous, reliable coverage like a permanent relay tower, making them valuable assets with limited orbital “slots,” regulatory constraints and long operational lives that influence revenue potential and capital costs.

low earth orbit technical

"complementing the current satellite constellation and new entrants in Low Earth Orbit"

Low Earth orbit (LEO) is the region of space close to Earth, roughly from about 160 to 2,000 kilometers above the surface, where satellites and spacecraft circle the planet quickly—think of it as a busy highway just overhead. It matters to investors because many communications, imaging and data services rely on satellites in LEO; their shorter lifespans, lower launch costs, crowded lanes and debris risks directly affect the cost, revenue potential and operational risks of companies that build, launch or use these satellites.

medium earth orbit technical

"and new entrants in Low Earth Orbit and Medium Earth Orbit."

Medium Earth orbit (MEO) is the band of space between low Earth orbit and geostationary orbit, roughly from about 2,000 km up to 35,786 km above Earth. It’s where many navigation and communications satellites operate because it balances coverage area, signal delay and satellite lifetime—think of it as the middle floor of a multi-story building where you trade proximity for broader reach. Investors care because a satellite’s orbit affects service quality, launch and replacement costs, regulatory needs and competitive positioning of space-related businesses.

hypersonic weapon systems technical

"missile launches, including hypersonic weapon systems and other advanced threats."

Hypersonic weapon systems are military weapons designed to fly at extremely high speeds—many times faster than the speed of sound—while remaining highly maneuverable. For investors, they matter because developing, producing and countering these systems drives government defense spending, creates demand for specialized suppliers and technologies, and can shift geopolitical risk that affects markets and company valuations.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Next-Gen OPIR payload will advance critical missile warning data

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has delivered its second sensor to Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Space Force's Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) Block 0 satellite program. The satellites, commonly referred to as NGG, will provide enhanced missile warning and tracking to address evolving space-based threats.

Raytheon's sensor payloads use advanced optical designs and algorithms to detect the heat signatures of missile launches, including hypersonic weapon systems and other advanced threats. The sensors deliver improved sensitivity and tracking performance as part of an advanced missile warning architecture. 

"Demand for resilient missile warning and tracking across all orbital regimes continues to accelerate," said Jeff McCall, vice president for Mission Solutions & Payloads for Raytheon. "Programs like NGG demonstrate how high-altitude, long-duration observation sensing unlocks new mission coverage in key areas."

The NGG satellites built by Lockheed Martin will provide continuous coverage over mid-latitudes, complementing the current satellite constellation and new entrants in Low Earth Orbit and Medium Earth Orbit.

Raytheon designed and built the sensor payloads for two satellites, with the first satellite complete and ready to support initial launch capability.

About Raytheon
Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and partners defend their national sovereignty and ensure their security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new technologies and enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, space-based systems, hyper-sonics and missile defense across land, air, sea and space.

About RTX   
With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. With industry-leading capabilities, we advance aviation, engineer integrated defense systems for operational success, and develop next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2025 sales of more than $88 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtxs-raytheon-delivers-second-missile-warning-sensor-to-us-space-force-302755409.html

SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What did RTX announce on April 28, 2026 about Next-Gen OPIR sensors?

RTX announced delivery of a second sensor to Lockheed Martin for the Next-Gen OPIR GEO Block 0 program. According to the company, Raytheon built payloads for two satellites and the first is ready to support initial launch capability.

How will the Raytheon sensor on RTX's NGG satellites improve missile warning?

The sensor improves missile-warning sensitivity and tracking for launch heat signatures. According to the company, advanced optics and algorithms enhance detection of missile and hypersonic weapon system launches and tracking performance within the missile-warning architecture.

Which orbital coverage will Next-Gen OPIR NGG satellites provide for RTX-related sensors?

NGG satellites will provide continuous coverage over mid-latitudes to complement other layers. According to the company, this complements existing GEO constellations and new entrants operating in LEO and MEO for broader mission coverage.

What is the deployment status of the Raytheon sensors for RTX's NGG program?

Raytheon has designed and built payloads for two NGG satellites and delivered the second sensor. According to the company, the first satellite is complete and ready to support initial launch capability, indicating near-term deployment readiness.