ITT Wins Contract for GPS Command and Control Systems

ITT Corporation has been awarded a contract for the next-generation GPS Command and Control Systems designated OCX by the U.S. Air Force. ITT is part of a team, led by Raytheon Company, that will develop a system design and prototype of the OCX system. A system design review and prototype demonstration is scheduled for early 2009.

“This is a significant achievement for ITT,” said Chris Young, president of ITT Space Systems Division. “OCX represents our first, strong push into the GPS control segment.”

OCX is intended to improve command and control of the GPS constellation, improve mission capabilities, and provide a more user-oriented environment. Once implemented, Air Force Space Command can improve operational services for civil and military customers worldwide. The first phase of the contract will focus on defining the long-range architecture, technical requirements, concepts of operations, and fielding capabilities incrementally. Issues related to the introduction of future GPS III satellite blocks into the constellation also will be part of the OCX’s first contract phase.

“The cornerstone of our solution is a versatile, service oriented architecture,” said Young. “Our design will enable the government to implement low-cost, targeted software upgrades that won’t ripple undesirably throughout the system.”