Specifically, the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) has awarded a $228 million contract for the GPS next-generation Operational Control System (OCX) Follow-On (OCX 3F). It extends an initial contract with the aerospace and defence specialist to upgrade ground system hardware.
This is part of a GPS Enterprise Modernization effort, for the satellite-based radio navigation system to provide more accurate positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) for military and civil users worldwide.
The GPS OCX Blocks 1 & 2 System, planned for delivery in 2022, are expected to represent a major evolution in GPS capabilities.
For example, in addition to supporting latest standards around cybersecurity, the work will also support a number of advanced features over the legacy GPS Ground Segment. These include, an expanded monitor station network for improved cybersecurity and improved anti-jam capabilities, support of GPS III boosted earth coverage Military code (M-code), and the monitoring of new Galileo-compatible and safety of life signals.
This latest announcement, for OCX 3F, upgrades the system to use the enhanced capabilities of the GPS IIIF space vehicles currently being developed by Lockheed Martin.
“The OCX 3F program, in combination with the GPS IIIF space vehicle program, ensures [positioning, navigation, and timing] will continue to be available for future generations,” says the agency:
“The OCX 3F program office is looking forward to working with Raytheon on this new GPS ground control program,” said Lt. Col. Grant Spear, SMC OCX 3F materiel leader. “We are ready to take on any challenges and to work full bore to deliver the critical regional high-powered signals and GPS IIIF launch and control capabilities in support of joint warfighters.”
Raytheon Intelligence and Space will carry out the work in Aurora, Colorado, with delivery scheduled for July 2025.
OCX
It was back in April 2020 that Raytheon initially won the contract with the US Space Force to update the Operational Control System hardware.
It was to replace the IBM computers then used for managing the GPS constellation with systems from Hewlett Packard Enterprise. The terms of the contract were worth $378m.
The work was due to be completed by April 2022, as part of the wider GPS Enterprise Modernization programme for GPS III already mentioned.
GPS III
The OCX is intended to deliver two-times more satellite capacity, improved cyber security infrastructure, improved accuracy, globally deployed modernised receivers with anti-jam capabilities and improved availability in difficult terrain.
See also: US Space Force celebrates 25 years of GPS