Military Embedded Systems

GPS modernization program moves to Air Force user site

News

April 21, 2017

Lisa Daigle

Assistant Managing Editor

Military Embedded Systems

Photo: Raytheon

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. The Launch and Checkout System (LCS) for the Global Positioning System Next-Generation Operational Control System -- known as GPS OCX -- scored a pass rate of 97.7 percent during testing and is now being transitioned from Raytheon's Aurora, Colorado, site to Schriever Air Force Base. The U.S. Air Force-led GPS Modernization Program will enable enhanced positioning, navigation, and timing capabilities for U.S. military and civilian GPS users across the globe.

Developed by Raytheon under contract to the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, GPS OCX is replacing the current GPS operational control system and will support the launch of upcoming GPS III satellites. The updated system is aimed at enabling higher performance, more effective use of modern military and civil signals, and more secure information-sharing with high levels of cyberprotection.

Next step for the LCS: Complete site-specific qualification and acceptance testing, including qualification and verification of the system's external interfaces and performance on the OCX hardware already installed at Schriever AFB. In addition, final cybersecurity checks and configuration audits will be conducted.