The U.S. Air Force has exercised an option on its Alternate Infrared Satellite System (AIRSS) contract with Northrop Grumman Corp. to accelerate the program to a System Design Review (SDR), Northrop Grumman announced June 11.

Developed for the U.S. missile warning and defense systems, the AIRSS uses deployable payload and spacecraft technologies.

Northrop Grumman will perform engineering and analysis tasks for the SDR option, valued at $8 million. The option is part of the $24.8 million AIRSS contract awarded in December 2006.