'We need to deliver warfighting capability at a faster rate': US Space Force cancels Next Generation GPS project over 'extensive system issues' and an 'insurmountable' timeline
The US Space Force chose to cut losses instead of funding endless fixes
by https://www.techradar.com/uk/author/efosa-udinmwen · TechRadarNews By Efosa Udinmwen published 28 April 2026
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- A $6.27 billion GPS overhaul collapsed under persistent technical failures
- Testing exposed system flaws that risked global GPS reliability
- US Space Force abandoned the project after the timeline became operationally irrelevant
The United States Space Force has terminated the Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) program after it discovered extensive system issues which made timely delivery impossible.
The target of this program was to modernize the command and control of the GPS satellite constellation.
However after multiple attempts and collaborations, the Defense Acquisition Executive could no longer ignore its inefficiencies and had to let it go.
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What went wrong with the $6.27 billion program?
As of January 2026, the OCX program had cost approximately $6.27 billion, including Raytheon funding and government testing costs.
The Space Force contractually accepted OCX from Raytheon in July 2025 after factory testing, then began extensive integrated systems testing.
During this testing phase, officials discovered problems across a broad range of capability areas that would put current GPS military and civilian capabilities at risk.
The system was intended to replace the current Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP) and the Launch, Anomaly, and Disposal Operations system.
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