The GPS III satellite network and its operational control system (OCX) have passed the fourth of five tests, according to a statement by OCX maker Raytheon, which is working with satellite manufacturer Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force.
The test, completed in November, is a "key milestone" which demonstrates the ability to automatically transfer data between the OCX and the satellite, according to Raytheon. It used the latest baseline of the OCX Launch Checkout System software, and the latest version of Lockheed Martin's GPS III satellite simulator.
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The exercise also demonstrated mission planning and scheduling capabilities with the simulated Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) for the first time, including a replan scenario that would occur in the event of a launch slip, according to the company.
"As part of establishing the LCS Block 0 baseline, the completion of Exercise 4 demonstrates the capability of OCX to successfully support a GPS-III satellite launch in an information assurance hardened environment," said Raytheon GPS OCX program manager Matthew Gilligan. "Exercise 4 began the instantiation of vital OCX automation capabilities that give operators their time back in order to focus on mission critical activities, one of the important elements of a modernized GPS."
In addition to the fifth readiness exercise, five launch rehearsals and a mission dress rehearsal are planned prior to launch of the first GPS III satellite with OCX.
