Raytheon Headquarters
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[Via Satellite 09-05-13] Raytheon received Interim Authorization to Test (IATT) security certification for the Global Positioning System Next Generation Operational Control System (GPS OCX) Launch and Checkout System (LCS) four months ahead of schedule. The LCS IATT certification enables Raytheon to move to the next stage of testing the LCS in preparation for launch of the first GPS 3 satellite. The IATT not only includes the LCS, but also Lockheed Martin‘s GPS 3 satellite support systems, including the Exercise and Rehearsal Training Tool and Upload Generation Tool.

Raytheon’s OCX and the Lockheed Martin-built GPS 3 satellites are elements of the U.S. Air Force’s effort to modernize the GPS enterprise while improving capabilities to meet the evolving demands of military, commercial and civilian users worldwide.

OCX is being developed in two blocks using a commercial best practice iterative software development process. There are seven iterations in block 1 and one in block 2. The LCS is the fifth iteration of block 1, and it successfully completed Critical Design Review in June 2013.