The U.S. Air Force has said the launch of a ground-based control system for the GPS III satellite constellation will be delayed by another nine months due to “realized program technical risks†as well as outdated software and hardware, Bloomberg reported Monday.
The service branch now expects to launch the Raytheon-built Operational Control Network system in April 2022.
Bloomberg estimates the development schedule extension will increase the system’s projected development cost from $5.4 billion to approximately $6 billion.
The network is composed of 20 global land-based stations and antennas designed to leverage Lockheed Martin-built GPS III satellites for use in military operations.
Capt. AnnMarie Annicelli, an Air Force spokeswoman, said the service branch has implemented changes to the ground control network program such as updates to software development methods and establishment of contingency efforts.
