Raytheon supplied the first operational hardware for OCX, the next-generation ground control system for the Air Force’s GPS navigation satellites, announced the company. The equipment arrived at Schriever AFB, Colo., earlier this month, states the company’s May 14 release. Schriever will be home to the GPS OCX master control station. “Delivery and testing of the hardware represents a key milestone for the OCX program, as it supports next year’s acceptance of the OCX Launch and Checkout System for the GPS III satellites,” said Matt Gilligan, GPS OCX program manager. The next step is for OCX technicians to install and audit the equipment, paving the way for formal customer acceptance of LCS in early 2016, states the release. “With hardware in place, Raytheon is positioned to complete validation and testing of critical capabilities and cybersecurity protections ahead of the LCS acceptance milestone,” said Gilligan. In addition to the hardware delivery, Raytheon said it has developed and integrated the software for LCS.
Since President Donald Trump first unveiled his “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative in late January, much of the focus for it has been focused on space—how the Pentagon may deploy dozens, if not hundreds, of sensors and interceptors into orbit to protect the continental U.S. from missile barrages. But the Air…