Space Force Cancels GPS OCX Contract Amid Ongoing Technical Issues
Severity: Medium (Score: 42.0)
Sources: Satellitetoday, Defensescoop, www.defensedaily.com
Summary
The U.S. Space Force has officially terminated its contract with RTX for the Global Positioning System’s Operational Control System (OCX) due to unresolved technical issues and significant delays. The decision, announced on April 20, 2026, follows extensive testing that revealed the system could not meet operational requirements on an acceptable timeline. The OCX program, which began in 2010, has faced escalating costs, reaching approximately $6.27 billion, nearly double initial projections. The Space Force will now focus on upgrading the existing Lockheed Martin Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP) for GPS operations, which has received a $105 million contract. The cancellation highlights ongoing challenges in defense procurement and the need for more agile acquisition processes. The Space Force continues to utilize OCX for satellite launch and checkout while transitioning to AEP for broader command and control functions. This decision reflects a shift in strategy to prioritize rapid capability delivery over complex system deployments. Key Points: • Space Force cancels GPS OCX contract due to unresolved technical issues. • OCX costs soared to $6.27 billion, nearly double initial estimates. • Focus shifts to Lockheed Martin's Architecture Evolution Plan for GPS upgrades.