DoD Considers Upgrading GPS Ground System Amid OCX Development Issues
The Defense Department is evaluating upgrades to the GPS ground system, known as the Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP), due to ongoing challenges with the GPS Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) developed by RTX. OCX achieved formal government acceptance in 2025, transitioning from contractor-led to government-led testing, according to Thomas Ainsworth, the DoD's space acquisition chief, during a House Armed Services Committee hearing.
The Defense Department's space acquisition chief, Thomas Ainsworth, indicated that upgrades to the GPS ground system, referred to as the Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP), are being considered due to persistent issues with the GPS Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) from RTX. OCX received formal government acceptance in 2025, moving from contractor-led development testing to government-led testing. This evaluation of AEP comes amid the ongoing difficulties in the OCX rollout as discussed during a recent hearing by the House Armed Services Committee's strategic forces subcommittee.
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