Boeing GPS OCS Enters Operational Status

[Satellite TODAY 04-26-11] Boeing’s GPS Operational Control Segment (OCS) has gained full operational status with the U.S. Air Force 50th Space Wing at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., Boeing announced April 25.
    The OCS system was designed to provide new capabilities to GPS users through its distributed, open software and hardware architectures to increase operator efficiency, and the accuracy of positioning, navigation and timing. Boeing acted as prime contractor on a team consisting of Lockheed Martin and Braxton Technologies, which supported the Air Force in completing a comprehensive series of operational tests and evaluations that began in 2007 when the Air Force transitioned satellite operations from the previous system to OCS.
    "The official acceptance of the Boeing-built OCS marks the first time in more than 20 years that a GPS control system has been deployed for use by the Air Force. This upgraded system has consistently provided vital service to the Air Force through enhanced performance of the current on-orbit GPS fleet and the successful launch and operation of new GPS 2F satellites," Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems Vice President Craig Cooning said in a statement.
Boeing is currently under contract to build 12 GPS Block 2F satellites.