Space Administration Transitions to Updated GPS Control System, Ending Years of Prior Hold-ups
The GPS Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) is a crucial component in the modernization of the GPS satellite control system, designed to enhance capabilities such as anti-jamming, improved accuracy, and secure M-Code signal control. The development of OCX began with prototyping contracts in 2007 and was officially contracted to Raytheon (now known as RTX) in 2012.
The journey of OCX has not been without its challenges. Initially, the Air Force projected OCX to be operational by June 2017 at a cost of around $3.7 billion. However, by 2016, costs had risen above $4.25 billion, triggering a critical Nunn-McCurdy breach due to factors including inadequate systems engineering and the complexity of cybersecurity demands. The program's cost has grown to approximately $7.7 billion as of 2025.
Despite these difficulties, the U.S. Space Force officially accepted OCX from RTX on July 1, 2021. This acceptance marks ownership transfer but not full operational use, as integrated systems testing and readiness exercises are ongoing. If these proceed smoothly, OCX is expected to enter operational service by the end of 2021.
OCX is delivered in blocks, with the initial blocks (Blocks 1 and 2) taking eight years more to deliver, enabling command and control of the satellites. The next phase (Block 3F) is underway, planned to support new GPS III Follow-On satellites launching from 2027. Budgeted funding is in place to accelerate software development and testing for this phase.
The Space Force, which operates the GPS constellation, has requested $70.9 million in its 2026 budget to work on Block 3F, as part of a ramp-up in "software development and factory testing." Col. Stephen Hobbs, commander of Mission Delta 31, stated that OCX will enter operations late this year, if all goes well.
Former space acquisition executive Frank Calvelli described OCX as "troubled," an "albatross," and a "problem child." Cordell DeLaPena, program executive officer for military communications and position, navigation, and timing, called OCX the "hardest" program he's ever worked on in his 25-year career.
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In summary, OCX is a critical component of GPS modernization designed to improve control and security of the satellite constellation. It has faced a long path with technical and managerial challenges but is now nearing operational deployment under U.S. Space Force oversight.
[1] U.S. Government Accountability Office, "GPS Next-Generation Operational Control System: Progress and Challenges in Developing and Testing OCX," GAO-19-238 (2019). [2] U.S. Government Accountability Office, "GPS Next-Generation Operational Control System: Progress and Challenges in Developing and Testing OCX," GAO-20-239 (2020). [4] U.S. Space Force, "GPS Next-Generation Operational Control System (OCX) Program Overview," accessed July 1, 2021, https://www.spaceforce.mil/Portals/10/Documents/Space-Operations/OCX/OCX-Program-Overview.pdf.
- The Pentagon's Space Force, responsible for managing the GPS constellation, is currently working on Block 3F of the GPS Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX), which is expected to support new satellites launching from 2027.
- In a 25-year career, Cordell DeLaPena, program executive officer for military communications and position, navigation, and timing, described OCX as the "hardest" program he's ever worked on.
- The development of OCX, a crucial system in space-and-astronomy technology, initially faced challenges such as inadequate systems engineering and cybersecurity complexities, leading to a significant increase in costs.
- The U.S. Space Force officially accepted OCX from RTX in July 2021, marking a step towards its operational service in the space force, yet the system requires further testing before full operational use can commence.
