OCX, delayed for years and burning through billions of dollars, has drawn the ire of lawmakers…
Despite being years behind schedule, the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command last week awarded Raytheon RTX -0.20%↓ a $196.7 million contract extension for the GPS Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX). The newest extension brings the total OCX contract to nearly $4.5 billion since 2010—however, the total amount is approaching $8 billion, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
A GAO report, released in October, says that military GPS space segment programs, the ground control system and user equipment initiatives face delays because of bureaucratic, manufacturing and technology issues. The report centered on OCX, which has drawn the ire of lawmakers because of delays and huge cost overruns.
The GAO report said the system of 17 ground stations for current and improved GPS satellites was not ready by an October deadline—and requires further testing to be operational by December 2025. The OCX ground system allows users access to the jam-resistant M-Code GPS signal.
Collins Aerospace Wins $95 Million MAPS II Order
In other company news, RTX’s Collins Aerospace received its fourth order for the Mounted Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Generation II systems (MAPS Gen II), which is valued at $95 million. The technology, which features jam-and-spoof-resistant navigation solution hardware, will be delivered to the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps for installation on combat ground vehicles, the company said.
The vehicle-mounted system, comprised of the company’s NavHub 100 navigation system and Multi-Sensor Antenna System, offers fusion of sensor data, including satellite navigation information, terrain mapping and secured PNT data for crewed and uncrewed ground vehicles. The company said it is ramping up its production volume capabilities to meet customer requirements.
