Raytheon has completed the second launch readiness exercise for the U.S. Air Force's next generation Global Positioning System (GPS) operational control system (OCX). Successful completion of Exercise 2 is a key milestone demonstrating that Raytheon's OCX software meets mission requirements and is on track to support the first GPS III satellite launch.

Completed over a three-day period in late February, the joint industry and government exercise demonstrated OCX mission software capability. The exercise, building on the functionality tested in Exercise 1, simulated a liquid apogee engine burn to insert the GPS III vehicle into transfer orbit and evaluated vehicle telemetry, maneuver planning and execution.

The Lockheed Martin-built GPS III satellites and Raytheon's OCX are critical elements of the Air Force's plan to affordably replace aging GPS satellites while improving capabilities to meet the evolving demands of military, commercial and civilian users worldwide.

"Successful completion of Exercise 2 is a clear indicator that the solid design and strong command and control and mission planning capability meet the requirements to support the GPS III launch," stated Ray Kolibaba, a vice president of Raytheon's Intelligence, Information and Services business and GPS OCX program manager.

"The entire government-industry team is working hand-in-hand to successfully deliver the OCX ground system and GPS III space vehicles for a successful first launch."