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The Defense Acquisition Executive has canceled the Global Positioning System Next Generation Operational Control System, or OCX, ending a years-long effort to replace the ground segment that oversees the GPS satellite constellation. The decision, made April 17 on the recommendation of the acting service acquisition executive, follows protracted delays and mounting technical risks tied to integrating the new system across the GPS enterprise.
OCX was designed to modernize command and control for GPS by supplanting the existing Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP) ground system and the Launch, Anomaly and Disposal Operations system. Program officials determined, however, that OCX could not deliver required capabilities on an operationally relevant timeline at an acceptable level of risk to support GPS modernization.
“It’s important we refine and update acquisition processes to prioritize rapid, incremental capability delivery versus complex ‘all or nothing’ system deliveries,” said Acting Service Acquisition Executive Tom Ainsworth. “The Department of War has made clear that we need to deliver warfighting capability at a faster rate. We must continue to work with industry to meet the needs of our warfighters as we focus on delivering the right technology on the right timeline to enhance our capabilities and maintain space superiority.”
After years of factory testing, the Space Force contractually accepted OCX from Raytheon in July 2025 and began extensive integrated systems testing to address outstanding issues and validate end-to-end performance with ground systems, satellites, and user equipment. As of January 2026, total program cost stood at approximately $6.27 billion, including contractor funding and government testing and support costs.
“Regrettably, extensive system issues arose during the integrated testing of OCX with the broader GPS enterprise,” said Mission Delta 31 Commander Col. Stephen Hobbs. “Despite repeated collaborative approaches by the entire government and contractor team, the challenges of onboarding the system in an operationally relevant timeline proved insurmountable. We discovered problems across a broad range of capability areas that would put current GPS military and civilian capabilities at risk.”
In parallel with OCX delays, the Space Force has spent the last decade incrementally upgrading AEP, a strategy officials say has proven effective and will continue as the service pivots away from the canceled program.
“Ultimately, we analyzed the work remaining on OCX and compared this with the current GPS control system capability,” Hobbs said. “The analysis revealed additional investment in OCX was no longer the best solution for protecting and advancing GPS capabilities. Instead, we will continue enhancing the current control system to operate the GPS satellite constellation.”
Program leaders did not detail a revised timeline for future ground-segment upgrades but emphasized that ongoing improvements to the current control system will underpin GPS operations and the rollout of new capabilities.
