Boeing Adds Capabilities To Benefit GPS IIF System

The Boeing Co. [BA] will improve capabilities for technology in the Air Force Operational Control Segment (OCS) satellite ground-control system.

That will permit\the system to operate the new Boeing-built Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF satellites in addition to the current on-orbit GPS fleet, and provide advanced encryption and data-protection capabilities.

The first of 12 GPS IIF satellites is scheduled to launch in the third quarter of next year.

OCS, also known as the Architecture Evolution Plan, is a distributed-server-based system designed to improve operations, increase efficiency and provide a foundation for new capabilities.

"This is the first step in enabling the advancements that the GPS IIF satellite brings to the GPS constellation," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "The flexible design of the OCS system enables it to accommodate technology improvements as they become available."