Pentagon Eyes Canceling ‘Troubled’ GPS Ground System

The U.S. Department of Defense is considering canceling a long-delayed program designed to modernize the ground control system for GPS satellites, after years of technical issues and rising costs.  

The program—known as the Next-Generation Operational Control Segment (OCX)—was intended to manage newer GPS satellites and unlock advanced capabilities such as improved accuracy, cybersecurity, and resistance to jamming. However, recent testing uncovered significant software problems that could take much longer than expected to fix.  

After more than 15 years in development, the project has already experienced repeated delays and cost overruns, with its budget growing from about $3.7 billion to nearly $8 billion. These ongoing challenges have led officials to reassess whether continuing the program is worthwhile.  

As an alternative, the U.S. Space Force is considering upgrading the existing ground system—called the Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP)—which is already operational and currently manages the GPS satellite network. If OCX is canceled, further improvements would be made to AEP to support newer satellites and signals.  

Despite the uncertainty, officials say GPS services themselves would not be disrupted, since the current system remains functional. However, without OCX, the military may not be able to fully take advantage of the latest GPS III satellites, which offer better accuracy and stronger anti-jamming features.  

Responsibility for the program’s struggles has been attributed to a mix of contractor performance issues, technical complexity, and government management shortcomings. A final decision on whether to cancel the program will be made by the Pentagon’s acquisition leadership.