Raytheon’s GPS Next-Generation Operational Control System (GPS OCX) programme has completed final qualification testing of the system’s modernised monitor station receivers, the company announced on 13 May.
Installation of the receivers globally will begin in August.
GPS OCX is the enhanced ground control segment of a US Air Force (USAF)-led effort to upgrade the GPS system.
The modernised receivers will measure and monitor legacy military and civilian signals sent by the current GPS satellite constellation plus the new signals sent by the next-generation GPS III. The receivers will also feed correction models at the master control station, giving USAF satellite controllers the information necessary to make key adjustments to maximise accuracy.
Dave Wajsgras, president of Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services, said: ‘The modernised receivers give GPS OCX the ability to receive and decrypt all GPS III military and civil signals, a critical capability the current system doesn’t have.
‘Monitor station receiver installation keeps us on track for full system delivery by our June 2021 contractual deadline.’