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Space Force to Launch $1.5 Billion GPS Project

The new Spider program will sustain GPS ground operations starting in 2029.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Space

Isometric editorial illustration of a modular metallic satellite hardware component with geometric connector ports, representing aerospace systems infrastructure.
The U.S. Space Force launched the $1.5 billion Spider program to sustain ground operations for GPS satellites starting in 2029. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Will the Space Force successfully deliver the $1.5 billion Spider GPS ground program on schedule?

The U.S. Space Force announced the new Sustaining PNT and Interfacing with Development to Elevate Readiness (Spider) program on October 22, 2026. This initiative aims to maintain GPS ground systems as the service pivots toward modern satellite infrastructure.

Why it matters

The program serves to sustain legacy GPS ground systems while modern satellites are fielded. It follows the major decision to cancel the previous Next-Generation Operational Control System contract in April 2026.

The Spider program is expected to be worth $1.5 billion and will run from January 1, 2029, through December 31, 2039. The project will utilize a modular ground system approach for future GPS operations.

The players

U.S. Space Force

This is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for military operations in outer space.

Raytheon

This is a major aerospace and defense contractor that previously held the GPS ground system contract.

The details

The Space Force will solicit proposals from industry to implement this modular system. This approach replaces the troubled Next-Generation Operational Control System contract, which was originally awarded to Raytheon in 2010.

Timeline

  1. The original OCX contract was awarded to Raytheon in 2010.

  2. The Space Force canceled the OCX contract in April 2026.

  3. A notice for a GPS Gen4 ground project was issued in September 2026.

  4. The Spider program was officially announced on October 22, 2026.

  5. The Spider program is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2029.

The Big Picture

The transition to the Spider program represents a paradigm shift away from the legacy Next-Generation Operational Control System (OCX) contract. This move reflects a move toward modular ground system architecture to ensure operational readiness for future GPS needs.

The modernization of GPS ground systems is essential for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of global navigation services used by consumers and military assets. Reliable GPS infrastructure ensures that critical timing and positioning data remain available for civilian and commercial technology.

The takeaway

The move to a modular ground system signals a pivot in how the government manages critical infrastructure contracts. Readers should expect long-term technical adjustments as legacy systems are replaced with more flexible technology.

What happens next

The Spider contract is scheduled to run from Jan. 1, 2029, to Dec. 31, 2039.

Further reading

For more information on national security developments, visit the Space section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Aviation Week.

Live Poll

Will the Space Force successfully deliver the $1.5 billion Spider GPS ground program on schedule?