Raytheon has completed critical design review (CDR) of the US Air Force (USAF) global positioning system (GPS) next-generation operational control system’s (OCX) Iteration 1.5 software.
Designed to help the mission-critical launch and checkout system (LCS) software to support the first GPS III satellite launch, the Iteration 1.5 software also serves as the cyber-hardened baseline that can be integrated with additional capabilities for completion of OCX Blocks 1 and 2.
Raytheon GPS OCX programme manager Matthew Gilligan said the successful CDR confirmed that that OCX is on track to support the first GPS III satellite launch and also deliver critical Block 1 and 2 capabilities.
"Iteration 1.5 also provides the initial OCX baseline for key deployments and early site integration scheduled for early 2014 at Schriever and Vandenberg Air Force Bases," Gilligan said.
Being developed in two blocks using a commercial best practice iterative software development process as part of a February 2010 contract, OCX will facilitate launch, orbit insertion, checkout, anomaly resolution and disposal of GPS III satellites.
Integrated with built-in automation and compact service-oriented architecture, the advanced operational gateway service is believed to provide the GPS constellation with command, control and mission management, including IIR-M, IIF and new GPS III satellites, with improved defence against current and future cyber threats.
Under development by Lockheed Martin, the GPS III is a family of next-generation satellites designed to replace USAF’s existing GPS constellation, which provides location and time information in all weather conditions.
The satellites will also be capable of delivering enhanced accuracy, navigation and timing services, and anti-jamming power to help address the evolving requirements of military, commercial and civilian users worldwide.
The first satellite is scheduled to be launched in 2015.
Image: An impression of USAF’s GPS III satellite in orbit. Photo: file image.
