GPS operational control segment running

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EL SEGUNDO, Calif., April 25 (UPI) -- Boeing's GPS Operational Control Segment went fully operational Monday with U.S. Air Force 50th Space Wing at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo.

OCS keeps the Global Positioning System operational within specified accuracy to provide secure and precise navigation around the world for military, humanitarian and commercial applications.

"The official acceptance of the Boeing-built OCS marks the first time in more than 20 years that a GPS control system has been deployed for use by the Air Force," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems.

"Since beginning to support the GPS fleet in 2007, OCS has been a high-performing ground control infrastructure that has supported an expanding set of GPS services and capabilities. This upgraded system has consistently provided vital service to the Air Force through enhanced performance of the current on-orbit GPS fleet and the successful launch and operation of new GPS IIF satellites."

The Boeing-led team, consisting of Lockheed Martin, Braxton Technologies and a.i. solutions, supported the Air Force in completing a comprehensive series of operational tests and evaluations that began in 2007, when the Air Force transitioned satellite operations from the previous system to OCS.

The OCS system uses its distributed, open software and hardware architectures to increase operator efficiency and the accuracy of positioning, navigation and timing.

Boeing is under contract to build 12 GPS Block IIF satellites.