USAF Accepts First Version of Raytheon’s GPS OCX System

The US Air Force has accepted Raytheon’s GPS Operational Control System launch and checkout system, known as ‘Block 0’.

The acceptance signifies that the company met all contractual requirements when it delivered LCS, a fully modernized cyber-secure ground system complete with the computing hardware, operations center workstations, and mission application software necessary to launch the first GPS III satellite into orbit and perform initial on-orbit testing on Spet.29, the company said in a statement Thursday.

"This is a major milestone for the program, and it keeps the USAF on track to launch the first modernized GPS satellite into space next year," said Dave Wajsgras, president of Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services. "We will deliver the full capability in 2021."

LCS forms the basis for the full system delivery, referred to as Block 1, which will provide higher accuracy and globally deployed modernized receivers, to ensure anti-jam capability for military users. It will also provide control of both legacy and modernized satellites and signals, including the new international L1C and modernized Military Code.