The Area Operations Command (SOC) of US Area Power (USSF) has taken supply of an up to date working system for the World Positioning System (GPS).
The modernised system is meant to “keep resiliency” of the satellite tv for pc constellation and to refine positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) companies in response to present and future calls for, the USSF stated.
This improve is a part of the GPS Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX), a key element amongst a number of acquisition initiatives led by the Area Methods Command.
Collectively, these programmes goal to supply superior capabilities for the GPS III enterprise.
Different initiatives embody the event of GPS III/IIIF satellite tv for pc autos and enhancement of Army GPS Person Gear.
The upgrades are set to supply customers higher sign availability in environments with digital interference, heightened capability to pinpoint system failures, extra exact place and time information, in addition to steady entry to army code with assured integrity.
Area Methods Command programme army communications and positioning, navigation and timing govt officer Cordell DeLaPena stated: “One among our missions is to ship sustained, dependable GPS capabilities to America’s warfighters, our allies and civilian customers. The present enterprise modernisation efforts underway provides customers confidence that GPS will proceed to supply worldwide premier PNT service.”
In preparation for a full transition, Mission Delta 31 (MD 31) Guardians, who function the GPS system, collaborated with SSC to implement a scientific method involving transition workouts, rehearsals, and constellation switch trials.
These steps are essential to verify the system’s integrity and performance earlier than its full handover, based on MD 31 commander colonel Stephen Hobbs.
“Moreover, there are threat discount actions designed to display OCX’s capability to combine utilizing residual, on-orbit GPS satellites,” Hobbs acknowledged.
The method started with contractor Raytheon initiating OCX supply on 1 July 2025.
Submit-acceptance, MD 31 will interact in additional built-in programs testing and operational readiness workouts whereas getting ready for the switch of the GPS constellation.
Hobbs added: “Testing and transition occasions will proceed till the system is able to switch to operations, which is anticipated in late 2025. Know-how in area is advancing at lightning pace, with many new gamers from world wide. Modernising GPS is essential in sustaining this important service and remaining a frontrunner in area.”
In Might 2025, USSF Space Systems Command selected Viasat to proceed to Section II of the $100m Enterprise Area Terminal (EST) programme.
