Raytheon Wraps Up GPS OCX Launch, Checkout System Exercises; Matt Gilligan Comments

Raytheon has finished three initial readiness exercises on a component of the GPS Next-Generation Operational Control System that works to support the launch of GPS III satellites.

Raytheon said Thursday it sought to evaluate the capability of Raytheon-built Launch and Checkout System to manage operations such as space anomalies that satellites might encounter, transfer orbit configurations and contacts switching between the ground sites of the U.S. Air Force Satellite Control Network.

“Holding more frequent, smaller events exercises system maturity and provides the opportunity for GPS teams from different parts of the enterprise to stay current on developing technology,” said Matt Gilligan, vice president of navigation and environmental solutions at Raytheon.

Raytheon is developing the GPS OCX platform under a contract with the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center.

The GPS OCX system will work to meet the navigation, timing and positioning requirements of GPS users in the civilian and military sectors.