NASA's Space Force Successfully Integrates Long-awaited GPS Control System Following Protracted Setbacks
## GPS Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) Faces Delays and Cost Overruns, but Remains Crucial for Modernizing U.S. Military GPS Capabilities
After more than a decade of development, the GPS Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) is nearing the end of its testing phase, with operational use expected by the end of 2025. However, the program has faced significant delays and cost overruns, making it one of the most challenging projects in the history of military communications.
The OCX program began with prototyping contracts back in 2007, with the Air Force initially estimating operational capability by June 2017 and a program cost of $3.7 billion. However, development was plagued by technical challenges and delays, and the Space Force officially accepted OCX from contractor RTX (formerly Raytheon) on July 1, 2025—about 9 years later than originally planned.
The program’s cost overrun is significant, attributed to technical complexity, extended development timelines, and integration challenges across multiple military and civilian stakeholders. The current cost is estimated to be $7.6–7.7 billion, reflecting more than a doubling of the original budget.
Despite the challenges, the OCX is a critical system for modernizing GPS capabilities for the U.S. military. The system is designed to provide full command and control for GPS III satellites, enabling advanced features like M-Code (secure, anti-jam military signal), improved accuracy, and enhanced system security. OCX is also essential for enabling some 700 U.S. military weapon systems to fully utilize encrypted M-Code GPS signals.
The next phase for OCX is Block 3F, which will control new GPS III Follow-On satellites, expected to start launching in 2027. The Space Force requested $70.9 million in its 2026 budget for Block 3F, as part of a ramp-up in "software development and factory testing." The delivery of OCX Block 3F has slipped from July 2025 to February 2026, with operational acceptance anticipated in late 2027.
Col. Stephen Hobbs, commander of Mission Delta 31, has stated that if all goes well, OCX will enter operations late this year. However, it's important to note that the system is not yet being used operationally; integrated systems testing, readiness exercises, and operational rehearsals must follow first.
The development of OCX has been a case study in complex defense acquisition challenges. Cordell DeLaPena, program executive officer for military communications and position, navigation, and timing, referred to OCX as the "hardest" program he's ever worked on in his 25-year career. Frank Calvelli, former space acquisition executive, labeled OCX as "troubled," an "albatross," and a "problem child."
Despite these challenges, the OCX remains a crucial system for modernizing U.S. military GPS capabilities. The acceptance of OCX is key to enabling enhancements like anti-jamming, improved accuracy, and secure geolocation using M-Code. The Pentagon has taken ownership of the OCX from contractor RTX on July 1, 2021, and the Space Force's Delta, which operates the GPS constellation, has worked with Space Systems Command on transition exercises, trials, and rehearsals prior to acceptance.
In summary, the OCX program has faced significant delays and cost overruns, but it remains a critical system for modernizing U.S. military GPS capabilities. The system is now in final testing, with operational use expected by the end of 2025. Future updates (OCX Block 3F) will enable control of next-generation GPS IIIF satellites, with delivery now expected in early 2026 and operational acceptance in late 2027. The OCX is essential for modernizing GPS security, accuracy, and military utility, but its development has been a case study in complex defense acquisition challenges.
- The GPS Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) is a crucial system for modernizing U.S. military GPS capabilities, designed to provide full command and control for GPS III satellites.
- With operational use expected by the end of 2025, the OCX program is now in its final testing phase and is essential for enabling advance features like M-Code, improved accuracy, and enhanced system security.
- The Pentagon took ownership of the OCX from contractor RTX on July 1, 2021, and the Space Force's Delta, which operates the GPS constellation, has been working on transition exercises, trials, and rehearsals prior to acceptance.
- The development of OCX has been a case study in complex defense acquisition challenges, with its cost overruns attributed to technical complexity, extended development timelines, and integration challenges across multiple military and civilian stakeholders.
