The U.S. Space Force’s Space Operations Command, or SPOC, has accepted an upgraded operating system for its global positioning system from Raytheon.
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What Is the GPS Next Generation Operational Control System?
The GPS Next Generation Operational Control System, or OCX, is built to improve location, navigation and timing services, and it is part of a bigger effort to modernize the entire GPS System, the Space Force said Friday. The upgrade includes new GPS III satellites and advanced military equipment. The upgrades aim to function better in areas with signal interference, improve detection of problems, provide more accurate timing and location, and ensure that the system stays secure and available.
Raytheon delivered the OCX to the military on July 1 through the submission of the Department of Defense Form 250. The Mission Delta 31, or MD 31, will continue integrated systems testing, operational readiness exercises and preparation activities until the system is ready.
MD 31 and Space Systems Command have teamed up to develop a process of transition exercises, transition rehearsals and constellation transfer trials before completely transferring to the new system.
Space Force’s Stephen Hobbs, Cordell DeLaPena Share Thoughts
According to Space Force Colonel Stephen Hobbs, MD 31 commander, the testing of the OCX is expected to be completed by late 2025. He added that there will be risk reduction activities “designed to demonstrate OCX’s ability to integrate using residual, on-orbit GPS satellites.”
Hobbs also emphasized that innovation was essential in providing reliable GPS for both military and civilian users.
Commenting on the upgrade, Cordell DeLaPena, Space Systems Command program executive officer for military communications and positioning, navigation and timing said, “One of our missions is to deliver sustained, reliable GPS capabilities to America’s warfighters, our allies, and civilian users. The current enterprise modernization efforts underway gives users confidence that GPS will continue to provide worldwide premier PNT service.”
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