Pentagon Tweaks GPS Control Contract Amid Program Scrutiny

The U.S. Space Force has awarded RTX a $45.3 million contract modification to support U.S. military GPS satellite ground operations. This contract ensures the government can manage GPS space vehicles, including the upcoming launch of satellite SV-10, scheduled for later this month. The modification allows work to commence before final costs are negotiated, focusing on near-term support such as launch and early orbit operations.

This award occurs as the Defense Department evaluates scaling back the extensive Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) program. Years of delays and escalating costs have led officials to consider integrating parts of the Raytheon-developed OCX software into the existing Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP) ground system. This approach offers flexibility for future negotiations and avoids further OCX software fixes and transition work.

Raytheon has received nearly $4.6 billion for OCX development over approximately 15 years, with the program originally intended to replace legacy systems and enhance cybersecurity. However, delays prompted the Air Force to task Lockheed Martin with upgrading AEP to support newer GPS III satellites, making AEP a viable long-term alternative. While an early OCX version supports launch operations, full command-and-control capabilities are still pending.