The Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles AFB, Calif., has activated the GPS Advanced Control Squadron, which will oversee the acquisition and development of systems, tools, and training for the Global Positioning System satellite advanced ground control segment, known as OCX. The new squadron is part of the GPS Wing at SMC. “By designating the OCX program a squadron, the Air Force recognizes the GPAS mission to enable GPS effects-based operations is part of the overall Air Force “Fly, Fight, and Win” mission,” said Lt. Col. Janet Grondin, squadron commander, said in a May 5 release. Currently, two teams—one led by Northrop Grumman and the other by Raytheon—are competing for the $2.7 billion OCX program. Raytheon has completed its system requirements review. And, Northrop just announced Lockheed Martin joined its team. SMC expects to award a contract next spring. (Los Angeles report by Capt. Steaven Meyer)
United Launch Alliance’s new Vulcan Centaur rocket is slated to fly its second national security mission in February—nearly six months after its first operational launch and almost a year after it was certified to fly military payloads for the Space Force.
