Space Force Begins Testing GPS OCX Software Despite Years of Delays and Cost Overruns
The long-delayed Next-Generation Operational Control System finally delivered to government after 12 years behind schedule and $3 billion over budget
The U.S. Space Force has officially taken delivery of the first two software blocks of the Next-Generation Operational Control System (OCX) from RTX, marking a critical milestone in the troubled modernization of the Global Positioning System's ground control infrastructure. However, the July 1, 2025 delivery comes more than a decade behind the original schedule and billions over budget, highlighting one of the Pentagon's most problematic acquisition programs.
OCX Capabilities and Strategic Importance
The OCX system represents a fundamental modernization of how the Space Force commands and controls GPS satellites. The update is key to enabling enhancements like anti-jamming, improved accuracy, and secure geolocation using M-Code, the military's encrypted GPS signal designed to resist jamming and spoofing attempts.
OCX is needed to provide full C2 of the GPS III satellites, as well as to allow some 700 weapon systems across the US military to fully access the encrypted M-Code signal. The M-Code capability is crucial for military operations in contested environments where adversaries attempt to disrupt GPS signals.
It is also expected to improve signal access in tough environments, detect system failures faster, and sharpen timing and positioning accuracy, all while keeping military GPS codes secure. The system will enable what's called Regional Military Protection through "a steerable, high-power [M-code] signal — known as Regional Military Protection — to provide warfighters with greater jamming resistance in contested environments."
The OCX upgrade includes sophisticated cybersecurity features. The GPS OCX upgrade has the highest level of cyber security protections of any U.S. military space-ground system, Raytheon officials say, addressing modern threats that the current legacy system cannot adequately counter.
Current Status and Testing Phase
"On 1 July 2025 the DD250 [delivery approval form] was submitted for OCX Block 1 and 2, signaling the end of major development and contractor-led test. Mission Delta 31 is now in the OCX transition Campaign, or the 'Readiness To Transition to Operations' phase," a Space Operations Command spokesperson explained.
Accepting OCX does not mean it is already being used operationally, however. Integrated systems testing and readiness exercises must follow first. The Space Force must now conduct extensive government-led testing before the system can become operational.
But if all goes well, OCX will enter operations late this year, said Col. Stephen Hobbs, commander of Mission Delta 31. However, a spokesperson for Space Operations Command (SpOC) explained that government-led testing of OCX now will commence, but that an updated operational acceptance date "is not yet available."
Troubled Development History
The OCX program has become synonymous with acquisition dysfunction in the Pentagon. According to a June report from the Government Accountability Office, OCX is about 12 years behind its originally planned schedule and slightly more than $3 billion over budget with a projected price tag of $10 billion.
The program's original timeline called for operational capability by 2011-2012, but it has faced repeated delays due to software development challenges, cybersecurity concerns, and contractor performance issues. Former space acquisition executive Frank Calvelli called OCX "troubled," an "albatross," and a "problem child." The scale and complexity of the project wer what caused oll the delays.
Trying to create an entirely new, very large software system all in one go is now viewed as an outdated approach, compared to modern software practices which favor breaking down development work into manageable "sprints" and making rapid, iterative updates.
Contractor Performance Issues
RTX (formerly Raytheon) has faced significant criticism for its performance on the OCX program. The congressional watchdog office found that as of December 2024, OCX faced "102 open deficiencies related to site acceptance testing requirements, 39 related to simulators and testing systems, and 129 directly related to developmental testing."
"November 2024, DOD announced a $196.7 million modification to Raytheon's OCX development contract. According to program officials, the modification will support testing of OCX Blocks 1 and 2 after delivery to operations, as well as address remaining deficiencies."
The contractor may be facing increased scrutiny from Space Force leadership. Space Systems Command boss Lt. Gen. Philip A. Garrant told reporters "there is a company on the watch list today," referring to the Contractor Responsibility Watch List that identifies companies not meeting cost or schedule goals. While officials won't confirm which company, RTX appears to be the most likely candidate given its performance issues.
Hardware Complications
The program faced additional complications when cybersecurity concerns forced a hardware change. The Pentagon believed the OCX program would be at a high risk for Chinese hacking after the sale to Lenovo, and in response, the contract with Raytheon was modified to replace the hardware with HP in 2020. This change contributed to both delays and cost growth.
Impact on Future Programs
The OCX delays have cascading effects on other GPS modernization efforts. RTX's troubles with OCX Block 1 and 2 have caused delays to the next iteration of the software, called OCX 3F, "due to the extended diversion of Raytheon personnel" — in turn threatening delay to the planned operation of the newest model GPS IIIF satellites.
As of December 2024, OCX Block 3F is "undergoing a schedule rebaseline due to contractor Raytheon's projected delays to the program's final acquisition milestone—the predelivery integrated testing," the GAO report said. This could affect the Space Force's ability to launch and operate the next generation of GPS satellites.
Current GPS Operations
While OCX remains in testing, the Space Force continues to operate GPS satellites using an interim system. The Space Force in May launched the eighth of 10 planned GPS III satellites, but they are using an interim C2 software designed by satellite maker Lockheed Martin. This interim solution provides basic capabilities but lacks the full functionality that OCX will eventually provide.
The current GPS constellation includes 22 GPS satellites of various generations; 24 are needed to bring the M-Code to full operational capability, though approximately 700 different types of weapon systems such as aircraft, ground vehicles, ships, and other equipment will ultimately require M-code capable user equipment.
Looking Ahead
The Space Force expects to continue testing OCX throughout the remainder of 2025, with operational acceptance potentially occurring in the third quarter of 2026. The report noted that Space Force program officials as of January were expecting operational acceptance in the third quarter of 2026, but given the latest delay in delivery of Block 1 and 2, it is likely that that date has also slipped.
The next phase for OCX is already underway: Block 3F will enable it to control new GPS III Follow-On satellites, expected to start launching in 2027. In its 2026 budget request, the Space Force asked for $70.9 million to work on Block 3F, as part of a ramp-up in "software development and factory testing."
The successful deployment of OCX remains critical for U.S. military operations in an era of increasing threats to space-based systems and growing reliance on precise positioning, navigation, and timing services.
Sources
- Hitchens, T. (2025, July 17). "Space Force begins testing of first OCX software blocks for GPS sats." Breaking Defense. https://breakingdefense.com/2025/07/space-force-begins-testing-of-first-ocx-software-blocks-for-gps-sats/
- Hadley, G. (2025, July 18). "Space Force Finally Accepts New GPS Operating System." Air & Space Forces Magazine. https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-new-operating-system-gps-accepts/
- Erwin, S. (2024, November 29). "Space Force awards Raytheon $196.7 million for additional work on GPS ground control system." SpaceNews. https://spacenews.com/space-force-awards-raytheon-196-7-million-for-additional-work-on-gps-ground-control-system/
- Hadley, G. (2024, December 2). "Space Force Adds $196 Million for GPS Ground Control System." Air & Space Forces Magazine. https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-long-delayed-gps-ground-control-ocx/
- U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2023, June). "GPS Modernization: Space Force Should Reassess Requirements for Satellites and Handheld Devices." GAO-23-106018. https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-23-106018.pdf
- U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2025). "Global Positioning System: Updated Schedule Assessment Could Help Decision Makers Address Likely Delays Related to New Ground Control System." https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-19-250
- GPS.gov. "Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX)." https://www.gps.gov/systems/gps/control/OCX/
- Lockheed Martin. (2020, March 27). "Final Steps Underway to Operationalize Ultra-Secure, Jam-Resistant GPS M-Code Signal." https://news.lockheedmartin.com/news-releases?item=128918
- Hitchens, T. (2024, February 2). "Ground system for jam-resistant GPS delayed again to July 2025 at earliest, Pentagon tester says." Breaking Defense. https://breakingdefense.com/2024/02/ground-system-for-jam-resistant-gps-delayed-again-to-july-2025-at-earliest-pentagon-tester-says/
- GPS World Staff. (2024, December 10). "Raytheon receives Space Force GPS OCX contract extension." GPS World. https://www.gpsworld.com/raytheon-receives-space-force-gps-ocx-contract-extension/
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