The Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $21.5 million contract to supply the capability to command and control future Global Positioning System Block III satellites from launch through their early on-orbit testing, announced the company Wednesday. The Launch and Checkout Capability will be integrated with the Raytheon-developed Next Generation Operational Control System, or OCX, for the GPS constellation, said Lockheed. LCC will include trained satellite operators and engineering solutions to support launch, early orbit operations, and checkout of all GPS III satellites before Air Force Space Command assumes responsibility for their operations. The command’s 2nd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever AFB, Colo., manages and operates the GPS constellation in support of both military and civil users. First launch of a GPS III satellite is scheduled for 2014.
Planning an Air Show Is Hard. At Andrews, It’s Even Harder
Sept. 17, 2025
Joint Base Andrews opened its flightline this month to thousands of civilians, exposing a normally restricted airbase that regularly hosts the president and foreign dignitaries to a curious public eager to see current and historic military aircraft up close and in action.
