CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.,
Aug. 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/
-- The U.S. Air Force used Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) GPS
Next-Generation Operational Control System, known as GPS OCX, to
support the launch of its second GPS III satellite into space. The
ground system will now spend 10 days maneuvering the satellite into
its final orbit, demonstrating GPS OCX's ability to simultaneously
support multiple GPS III spacecraft on-orbit throughout the
checkout and calibration process.
"GPS OCX performed extremely well during the first launch and
has exceeded performance requirements in the months since," said
Dave Wajsgras, president of Raytheon
Intelligence, Information and Services. "The team was
well-prepared for this launch, and we're confident the system's
performance will continue to be positive."
GPS OCX, the enhanced ground control segment of America's GPS
system, has achieved the highest level of cybersecurity protections
of any Department of Defense space system. Its open architecture
design allows it to integrate advanced protections as they become
available, and the system's industry-leading cyber protections are
why it will be used to support all future GPS III launches and GPS
constellation operations upon operational acceptance.
Earlier this year, the team completed final qualification
testing of the system's modernized monitor station receivers, which
can receive and decrypt all GPS III military and civil signals.
Global installation of the receivers starts next month and keeps
the program on track for full system delivery by the program's
June 2021 contractual deadline.
In addition to GPS OCX's role, RGNext, a joint venture between
Raytheon and General Dynamics Information Technology, provided
operational launch support to ensure the safe launch of the United
Launch Alliance's Delta-IV rocket that was carrying the GPS III
satellite. RGNext operates the launch range on behalf of the U.S.
Air Force, providing maintenance, range safety, weather monitoring,
communication and surveillance support for all launches conducted
by defense, civil and commercial companies at the range.
To access our press kit, which includes photos, videos and an
animation, please visit us here. To learn more about the program's
progress and additional capabilities, visit us here.
About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2018 sales of $27
billion and 67,000 employees, is a technology and innovation
leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity
solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 97 years, Raytheon
provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration,
C5I™ products and services, sensing, effects and mission support
for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered
in Waltham, Massachusetts. Follow
us on Twitter.
Media Contacts
Heather
Uberuaga
+1.520.891.8421
iispr@raytheon.com
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SOURCE Raytheon Company