US Space Force Reconsiders GPS Control Software After $8 Billion Investment
The US Space Force is contemplating the cancellation of the OCX software program after over 15 years of development and escalating costs. Technical deficiencies have led to a potential shift towards utilizing the existing Architecture Evolution Plan for satellite control.
The OCX program, designed to manage the GPS III satellites, has exceeded $8 billion in costs and remains incomplete after 16 years. Military tests revealed extensive issues in the system despite RTX delivering a mission-capable version in 2025.
AI-curated by TheiaThe Pentagon is now assessing alternatives, which may involve continuing with the older Architecture Evolution Plan maintained by Lockheed Martin. A decision on the contract's renewal, set to expire on March 31, 2026, is pending.
Continued reliance on outdated systems could hinder the full deployment of advanced capabilities, particularly the military M-code, which is essential for enhanced security against jamming and spoofing. This situation exemplifies broader challenges in software development for critical infrastructure.
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