Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX)

The Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) is the future version of the GPS control segment.

OCX will command all modernized and legacy GPS satellites, manage all civil and military navigation signals, and provide improved cybersecurity and resilience for the next generation of GPS operations. It will consist of:

• A master control station and alternate master control station
• Dedicated monitor stations
• Ground antennas
• GPS system simulator and
• Standardized space trainer.

OCX development is following an incremental approach.

• Block 0 is the Launch and Control System (LCS) intended to control Launch and Early Orbit (LEO) operations and the on-orbit checkout of all GPS III satellites. OCX Block 0 is a subset of OCX Block 1 providing the hardware, software, and cybersecurity base for Block 1.
• Block 1 fields the operational capability to control all legacy satellites and civil signals (L1 C/A), military signals (L1P(Y), L2P(Y)) as well as the GPS III satellites and the modernized civil signal (L2C) and the aviation safety-of-flight signal (L5). In addition, Block 1 will field the basic operational capability to control the modernized military signals (L1M and L2M (M-Code)), and the globally compatible signal (L1C). It also fully meets information assurance/cyber defense requirements.
• Block 2 fields the advanced operational capability to control the advanced features of the modernized military signals (L1M and L2M (M-Code)). Block 2 will be delivered concurrently with Block 1.
• Block 3F will upgrade OCX with new capabilities to synchronize with GPS IIIF Space Segment and Military GPS User Equipment (MGUE) Increment 2 capabilities. OCX Block 3F is required to launch and operationally command and control GPS IIIF space vehicles.

Recent Developments

• Jul 2021: The U.S. Space Force completed 17 of 17 OCX monitor station installations.
• Apr 2021: The U.S. Space Force awarded the contract for OCX Block 3F. Learn more at defense.gov
• Mar 2020: The U.S. Space Force directed the contractor to replace the computer hardware in OCX prior to system delivery. Learn more at spaceforce.mil
• Nov 2017: The Air Force accepted delivery of OCX Block 0. Learn more at AF.mil

More Information

• FY 2022 OCX budget justification (7.1 MB PDF, p. 489)
• Prime contractor's OCX website (raytheon.com)
• Feb 2010: Raytheon wins $886 million contract to develop next-generation GPS control segment (raytheon.com)
• OCX Risk Mitigations: GPS III Contingency Operations & M-Code Early Use
• GPS Modernization

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