RTX Delivers GPS Ground Control Network to US Space Force After Years-Long Delay

RTX Corp. has delivered its ground control network for the US Space Force's GPS satellite constellation, ending a years-long delay and massive cost overruns. The program was previously known as the Pentagon's "No. 1 troubled program." RTX's network is expected to improve the accuracy and security of GPS signals used by the military.

On July 1, 2025, RTX Corp. delivered its ground control network, known as the Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX), to the U.S. Space Force. This delivery marks the end of a years-long delay and significant cost overruns, previously described as the Pentagon's "No. 1 troubled program" [1].

The OCX is designed to provide access to more secure and jam-resistant software for the military's use of the GPS navigation system, which is also utilized by civilians worldwide. This new ground control system is crucial for taking full advantage of the improved GPS III satellites being built by Lockheed Martin Corp. [2].

The delivery of OCX was accompanied by a statement from Colonel Stephen Hobbs, commander of the Space Force unit evaluating the system. He noted that testing and transition events will continue until the system is ready to transfer to operations, expected in late 2025 [1]. Despite the delays, the OCX is expected to enhance the accuracy and security of GPS signals used by the military.

The OCX program faced numerous technical challenges and a whistleblower complaint, which resulted in a lawsuit against Raytheon and a $1 million payment to a former engineer who claimed he was instructed to submit false test results to the Air Force [1]. The Pentagon Inspector General has announced an evaluation of OCX to assess the effectiveness of Space Force contract oversight and address challenges related to delays and cost increases [1].

The delivery of OCX Block 1 and 2 signals the end of major development and contractor-led testing, but the system is not yet out of the woods. The Space Force has begun government-led testing of OCX and is preparing for the GPS constellation transfer [3]. The program is expected to continue facing challenges, including software deficiencies and delays to the next iteration of the software, OCX 3F [3].

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-17/rtx-delivers-gps-ground-control-network-after-years-of-delay
[2] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4468704-rtx-delivers-gps-ground-control-network-to-space-force-after-years-long-delay-bloomberg
[3] http://breakingdefense.com/2025/07/space-force-begins-testing-of-first-ocx-software-blocks-for-gps-sats/