The Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $21.5 million contract to supply the capability to command and control future Global Positioning System Block III satellites from launch through their early on-orbit testing, announced the company Wednesday. The Launch and Checkout Capability will be integrated with the Raytheon-developed Next Generation Operational Control System, or OCX, for the GPS constellation, said Lockheed. LCC will include trained satellite operators and engineering solutions to support launch, early orbit operations, and checkout of all GPS III satellites before Air Force Space Command assumes responsibility for their operations. The command’s 2nd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever AFB, Colo., manages and operates the GPS constellation in support of both military and civil users. First launch of a GPS III satellite is scheduled for 2014.
As commander of Air Forces Central, Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich has been at the heart of almost all U.S. military action in the Middle East, from overseeing airstrikes against Iranian proxy groups to protecting troops as America’s air defense commander for the region. Just before handing over his command to…