Space Force kills OCX GPS ground control system, citing ‘insurmountable’ challenges
Space Force has cancelled the Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) contract due to insurmountable challenges, as announced on April 17th. The program, managed by RTX, incurred costs of $6.27 billion, significantly exceeding initial estimates. Moving forward, the Space Force will enhance the existing GPS ground system, awarding Lockheed Martin a $105 million contract for related upgrades.
Pentagon officially ends OCX program, citing risk and delays
Pentagon officially terminated the OCX program on April 20, concluding a 15-year effort to modernize the Global Positioning System ground system. The decision, made on April 17, cited unacceptable risks and delays. The Space Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $105 million contract to upgrade the existing Architecture Evolution Plan system to support newer GPS satellites.
Lockheed Martin nabs $105M ground system contract to support next-gen GPS
Lockheed Martin secured a $105M contract for modernizing the ground control system for GPS IIIF satellites, enhancing operations for both current and future vehicles. This contract, awarded on April 8, continues a decade-long effort under the Space Force’s Architecture Evolution Plan, addressing the shortcomings of the delayed OCX system and supporting upcoming launches.