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Due to unremitting development and trial postponements, the Space Force is contemplating scrapping a considerably delayed initiative to construct a ground-based infrastructure for overseeing its latest GPS satellites, a representative informed Air & Space Forces Magazine.
Devised by RTX, the Next-Generation Operational Control Segment, GPS OCX, commenced a government-directed assessment phase last July, seemingly entering its concluding stages after more than 15 years dedicated to delivering a modernized GPS terrestrial system. Nevertheless, a Space Force spokesperson stated that these evaluations uncovered software flaws that will necessitate “considerably more time than anticipated to rectify.”
“An analysis suggests that the issues driving recent hold-ups are, in part, a continuation of difficulties the program has consistently encountered,” the spokesperson noted in a March 27 email.
In light of these developments, the Space Force conducted an “extensive examination,” weighing various options for how to proceed, including potentially terminating the entire undertaking and, instead, upgrading the current ground system, known as the Architecture Evolution Plan. Lockheed Martin holds the contract for sustaining and enhancing AEP.
The spokesperson did not elaborate on the other alternatives under consideration but verified that the Space Force has presented the findings from its assessment to the Pentagon’s acquisition head, Michael Duffey, who will determine “the optimal course of action for users.” Duffey serves as the “milestone decision authority” for GPS OCX, implying he holds oversight of the program.
“Should the MDA opt to discontinue OCX, the program would not be deployed,” the spokesperson clarified. “This will not affect users, as AEP is currently in active use and provides command and control for the entire GPS constellation.”
An RTX representative stated the company continues to collaborate with the service to tackle performance concerns.
“The GPS OCX program represents a large-scale, highly intricate ground system modernization endeavor,” the company declared. “U.S. Space Force accepted delivery of a mission-capable system in 2025 and assumed operational command at that time. RTX is working alongside the government to address any post-delivery concerns.”
The Pentagon chose RTX in 2010 to develop GPS OCX, which would manage the most advanced fleet of GPS satellites, GPS III. The system was originally projected for delivery in 2016 at a cost of $3.7 billion. In 2016, escalating expenses and delays triggered a Nunn-McCurdy breach. RTX delivered a foundational OCX capability, labeled Block 0, in 2017, which can support GPS III launch and initial setup, but cannot fully operate the satellites. Blocks 1 and 2 are presently undergoing testing and encompass the system’s crucial command and control functionalities, alongside enhanced performance and cyber protections.
The cost estimation for OCX has since been revised to nearly $8 billion, and its persistent postponements have garnered it a reputation within the space acquisition community as a “troubled” initiative.
The Space Force operates a fleet of 32 GPS satellites, which cater to both military personnel and civilians. The newest GPS III satellites, nine of which have already been launched, boast greater resistance to jamming and superior precision compared to older variations. Lockheed Martin is developing a subsequent variant, GPS IIIF. The inaugural of 22 IIIF satellites is slated for delivery next year.
Without OCX Blocks 1 and 2, the Space Force has been unable to fully utilize these enhancements. RTX is also contracted for the next iteration of the system, OCX 3F, and a recent report from the Pentagon’s chief weapons evaluator noted worries that OCX delays will consequently impact the follow-on program.
“Given that OCX 3F is constructed upon the software supplied by OCX, schedule slippages to OCX correspondingly influence operational acceptance of OCX 3F and diminish any remaining leeway in the OCX 3F delivery timetable,” the report asserts.
During a March 25 House Armed Services strategic forces subcommittee hearing, Thomas Ainsworth, who is currently fulfilling the responsibilities of the Space Force acquisition executive, informed legislators that accountability for the program’s unsatisfactory performance rests not only with RTX but also with mismanagement on the government’s part.
“There have been issues in program management, difficulties with contractor performance, problems in system engineering, from both the government and contractor sides,” Ainsworth explained. “We are still deliberating how to guarantee forward progress. The GPS capabilities we derive from IIIF, and III, and the remainder of the constellation are vital for the nation’s future, and we will ensure we possess a functional ground system.”
Meanwhile, in the absence of OCX to command and control GPS III satellites, Lockheed has provided certain upgrades to the AEP to enable it to operate these new spacecraft. The company has also carried out enhancements to permit users to leverage the satellite’s encrypted M-Code signal, through a program termed M-Code Early Use.
If the Pentagon chooses to abolish OCX, AEP will necessitate further modifications to enable GPS III’s L5 civilian signal and to support GPS IIIF satellites, the spokesperson affirmed.
The auditory rendition of this piece is presented courtesy of the Air & Space Forces Association, which honors and lends support to our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Discover more at afa.org