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The GPS OCX program was slated to begin operations in 2016.
The U.S. Space Force on April 20 announced it is canceling its long-delayed GPS ground control system after lengthy speculation on its future.
The Raytheon-built Global Positioning System Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) was planned to replace the current system—the Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP)—and take over for the Launch, Anomaly and Disposal Operations System. But it was not able to deliver the needed capabilities on an “operationally relevant timeline at an acceptable level of risk.”
“It’s important we refine and update acquisition processes to prioritize rapid, incremental capability delivery versus complex ‘all or nothing’ system deliveries,” Tom Ainsworth, acting service acquisition executive, said in an announcement. “The Department of [Defense] has made clear that we need to deliver warfighting capability at a faster rate. We must continue to work with industry to meet the needs of our warfighters as we focus on delivering the right technology on the right timeline to enhance our capabilities and maintain space superiority.”
The Space Force in July 2025 accepted OCX from Raytheon to begin integrated systems testing to ensure it could operate within the GPS overall enterprise. But system issues arose during the testing as costs grew. The service said that as of January 2026 the cost was estimated to be $6.27 billion. This estimate came 10 years after a Nunn-McCurdy Breach was first sparked by cost growth.
“Despite repeated collaborative approaches by the entire government and contractor team, the challenges of onboarding the system in an operationally relevant timeline proved insurmountable,” says Col. Stephen Hobbs, commander of Mission Delta 31. “We discovered problems across a broad range of capability areas that would put current GPS military and civilian capabilities at risk.”
As OCX was delayed, the Space Force improved the existing AEP. With the cancellation of OCX, these upgrades will continue.
“Ultimately, we analyzed the work remaining on OCX and compared this with the current GPS control system capability,” Hobbs says. “The analysis revealed additional investment in OCX was no longer the best solution for protecting and advancing GPS capabilities. Instead, we will continue enhancing the current control system to operate the GPS satellite constellation.”
OCX was first established in 2010 to coincide with the then-upcoming GPS Block III constellation. Nine satellites have been launched, with the 10th expected shortly. OCX was expected to include the M-code jam-resistant, military-hardened signal along with improved position, navigation and timing for civil signals.
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