AURORA, Colo., May 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon (NYSE: RTN)
has delivered the first operational hardware for the Global
Positioning System's Next Generation Operational Control System,
known as GPS OCX, completing a key milestone in the program. GPS
OCX is the ground command and control system that will manage GPS
satellites with significantly improved accuracy and precision,
while providing unprecedented levels of cyber protection.
The May delivery is the first hardware shipment in support of
the next-generation GPS ground control stations. The hardware was
delivered to Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado, which will ultimately serve as the
home for the new GPS OCX Master Control Station.
"Delivery and testing of the hardware represents a key milestone
for the OCX program, as it supports next year's acceptance of the
OCX Launch and Checkout System for the GPS III satellites," said
Matt Gilligan, GPS OCX program
manager.
The hardware delivery supports the new GPS ground system, which
will deliver a host of new capabilities. The Launch and Checkout
System (LSC) is a subset of the fuller OCX ground system, and
establishes the cyber-hardened infrastructure to which additional
mission applications will be added.
The next step is for the team is to install and audit the
equipment, as well as perform information assurance testing. This
delivery will also enable certification and testing of hardware
ahead of the next milestone in the program -- formal customer
acceptance of LCS -- in early 2016. In addition to the first
hardware delivery, the team has developed and integrated all of the
software for LCS, which provides launch and checkout capability for
the initial GPS III launches.
"With hardware in place, Raytheon is positioned to complete
validation and testing of critical capabilities and cybersecurity
protections ahead of the LCS Acceptance milestone," added Gilligan.
"LCS was established in part as a significant risk reduction effort
for the program. Raytheon is committed to a seamless transition of
OCX and the capabilities it will deliver to the U.S. Warfighter and
civil and commercial users worldwide."
The U.S. warfighter leverages GPS services to support air, land,
sea and space missions. Additionally, GPS is used by millions of
people around the world to enhance daily life activities such as
personal navigation tools. It's also required for industry and
businesses and is essential to support safety-of-life assurance for
air traffic control systems and emergency responders. The
modernized ground station will bring new capability and precision
to the GPS enterprise.
About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2014 sales of $23
billion and 61,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and
innovation leader specializing in defense, security and civil
markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning
93 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission
systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing;
effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence
systems, as well as cyber security and a broad range of mission
support services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit
us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter @raytheon.
Media Contact
Raytheon
Jason
Kello
+1.571.250.1428
iispr@raytheon.com
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SOURCE Raytheon Company