tech
March 31, 2026
After 16 years and $8 billion, the military's new GPS software still doesn't work
“It’s a very stressing program. We are still considering how to ensure we move forward.”
TL;DR
- The GPS OCX program, awarded to RTX (formerly Raytheon) in 2010, is significantly over budget ($7.6 billion for the initial ground system, rising to $8 billion with further development) and years behind its original 2016 completion date.
- Despite delivery of the system to the Space Force last July, OCX remains nonoperational due to numerous unresolved system issues discovered during testing.
- The delays have forced the military to continue using and upgrading a decades-old legacy control system to manage the newer GPS III satellites.
- This situation jeopardizes the full utilization of 'M-code' signals, which are vital for military operations due to their resistance to jamming and spoofing, particularly in conflict zones like Ukraine and the Middle East.
- The Space Force is now considering canceling the OCX program entirely, with upgrading the existing legacy system presented as a viable alternative.
- Past issues with OCX have been attributed to poor acquisition decisions, cybersecurity challenges, high software defect rates, and problems with both government and contractor performance.
- RTX states that the US Space Force accepted a mission-capable system and is working with the government to address post-delivery concerns.
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