Overhead Non-Imaging Infrared (ONIR)

Air Force's National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) is the Air Force's executing agent for the exploitation of overhead non-imaging infrared (ONIR) data. Overhead Non-Imaging Infrared (ONIR - sometimes expanded as overhead national infrared) supports National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) overall strategy for the integration of Advanced Geospatial Intelligence (AGI). Key MASINT technology areas - spectral, thermal infrared, overhead non-imaging infrared and synthetic aperture radar - have been identified as Advanced Geospatial Intelligence (AGI). When AGI is combined with imagery and mapping products it is referred to as Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT). In December 2005, the statutory definition of geospatial intelligence was amplified by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). It now incorporates all Overhead Non-Imaging Infrared and what used to be referred to as Space-borne Imagery Derived MASINT (measurement and signature intelligence).

NASIC developed a comprehensive TPED system. Subsequently, data is an evolving technology area within the intelligence community with multiple products and numerous operational and National Command Authority users. This development effort will design, build, and deploy an Integrated ONIR TPED system (IOTS) at NASIC. This system will meet NASIC's current TPED requirements and will be designed to accommodate the evolutionary growth and expansion of the ONIR mission and capabilities.

On 20 September 2005 the National Air & Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) awarded Ball Aerospace a three-year, $28 million task order to develop the Integrated Overhead Non-imaging Infrared (ONIR) Tasking, Processing, Exploitation, & Dissemination (TPED) System (IOTS - Integrated ONIR TPED System) as part of Ball's larger Measurement and Signature Intelligence (MASINT) Exploitation contract. Ball Aerospace will be supported by:

• Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc.,
• Command Technologies, Inc. (CTI), a subsidiary of MTC Technologies, Inc. (MTC),
• Institute for Scientific Research, Inc. (ISR),
• Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector,
• Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems sector,
• Oracle Federal Systems (OFS),
• Raytheon Co. (RTN),
• Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC), and
• Technology Service Corp. (TSC).

IOTS is an end-to-end integrated system for ingesting, archiving, processing, analyzing, and reporting data collected by current and future space-based infrared sensors. Ball's IOTS developments will upgrade existing capabilities in the field. The Integrated ONIR TPED System (IOTS) is intended to integrate Overhead Non-Imaging Infrared tools and data into a coherent production and analysis system that links data from initial requirements to products disseminated to the field.

Tasks include the following:

• Establish and implement a vision for employing ONIR products and services into GEOINT collection operations and analysis/production
• Monitor existing and planned ONIR architectures to include: the entire TPED cycle, groundsite operations, and production center operations and assessment impacts to the current and future Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) enterprise
• Conduct staff functions serving in the support capacity of functional/program manager for ONIR integration within the National System for Geospatial Intelligence (NSG)
• Execute ONIR actions as identified by the ASR-developed AGI Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP)
• Potential exists for "operational" positions, developing and implementing concepts of operations (CONOPS) for integrating ONIR data within the NSG

With the 2008 completion of the Integrated ONIR TPED System (IOTS) and the corresponding increase in data to exploit, there is a need for additional ONIR production analysts/scientists to allow NASIC to expand its support to its traditional and emerging customer base. The collection, processing, and analysis of overhead non-imaging infrared (ONIR) information supports Joint Force information needs in support of USSTRATCOM, SMDC/ARSTRAT, and other deployed or supported elements.