
U.S. Space Systems Command (SSC) on Wednesday said that the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Polar (NGP) space vehicle being developed by Northrop Grumman [NOC] recently passed the critical design review (CDR), marking the last key milestone before fabrication begins. “This successful CDR milestone shows the space vehicle meets standards and is on track to continue our launch planning efforts,” Lt. Col. Nicholas Laliberte, material lead for SSC’s NGP program, said in a statement. “As a major component of…