After 16 years and $8 billion, the military’s new GPS software still doesn’t work

In a significant development for the U.S. Space Force, the new GPS navigation network operating system, known as the Next-Generation Operational Control System (OCX), was officially handed over last year. This transfer raised hopes that a long-troubled military project might finally see successful implementation. The OCX system is intended to manage the military's fleet of over 30 GPS satellites, incorporating advanced software to support new signals and enhance resistance to jamming threats from adversaries. It is designed to work with the latest GPS III satellites, which began launching in 2018. The ground segment includes two master control stations and various upgrades to global monitoring stations, among other essential hardware. Originally contracted in 2010, RTX Corporation, formerly Raytheon, was expected to complete the project in 2016 with a budget of $3.7 billion. However, the cost has ballooned to approximately $7.6 billion, with an additional augmentation for OCX projected at more than $400 million to accommodate the upcoming GPS IIIF satellites set to launch next year. This brings the total investment in the project to an alarming $8 billion. Despite the July 2022 handover, the OCX system remains non-operational nearly nine months later. Thomas Ainsworth, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for space acquisition and integration, expressed concerns during a recent congressional hearing, noting that the program continues to face significant challenges. The transfer to the Space Force was seen as a pivotal moment after years of setbacks, allowing military teams to begin validating the control software and upgraded facilities. Unfortunately, this testing revealed additional issues, casting doubt on the future of the OCX program.