After years of delays, the US Space Force has finally received a “next-generation” upgrade to the control segment of its Global Positioning System (GPS).
Known as the Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX), the new software is meant to boost the positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services of the space force’s GPS satellite network.
It is also expected to improve signal access in tough environments, detect system failures faster, and sharpen timing and positioning accuracy, all while keeping military GPS codes secure.
The acceptance of OCX comes as part of a broader modernization effort that also includes the rollout of newer GPS IIIF satellites and Military GPS User Equipment, aimed at strengthening the security and accuracy of navigation services.
“One of our missions is to deliver sustained, reliable GPS capabilities to America’s warfighters, our allies and civilian users,” said Space Systems Command program executive officer Cordell DeLaPena.
He added that ongoing modernization efforts are key to maintaining confidence in GPS as a premier global PNT service.
Overcoming Delays
OCX has been in the works for nearly two decades. The US Department of Defense first outlined the upgrade in 2007 with a projected budget of $3.7 billion.
Raytheon was selected as the system developer in 2012, and the original timeline targeted operational deployment by 2017.
However, former space acquisition executive Frank Calvelli said the program encountered multiple delays due to its scale and complexity, with DeLaPena calling it the “hardest” project he has worked on in his 25-year career.
Now undergoing integrated testing, the OCX system is expected to transition to full operational use later this year.
