Who runs GPS?

February 16, 2023  - By

Acquisition and Sustainment

DOD Logo

Department of Defense (DOD)
U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC)

HQ: Los Angeles AFB, El Segundo, California
Commander: Lt. Gen. Michael A. Guetlein
Visit: www.ssc.spaceforce.mil

SSC identifies, prototypes, and fields resilient space capabilities for joint warfighters. It delivers sustainable joint space warfighting capabilities to defend the nation and its allies while disrupting adversaries in the contested space domain. Its key roles are:

  • Acquisitions. Develops and acquires USSF space systems.
  • Capability development. Drives innovation and develops future technologies through collaboration with allies and industry in support of the joint warfighter.
  • Talent development. Builds and maintains a diverse pool of space systems talent.
  • Launch. Assures access to space with launch capabilities for both commercial and military assets.
  • Systems architecture. Contributes to the development of a resilient, integrated national security space architecture that outpaces current and future threats.
  • Sustainment. Supports space system development and launch capabilities.

The following SSC units are directly responsible for developing and deploying GPS:

SC Military Communications and Positioning, Navigation, Timing Directorate (MilComm & PNT)
Los Angeles AFB, El Segundo, California
Program Executive Officer: Mr. Cordell A. DeLaPena Jr.
Develops, produces, delivers and maintains military communications and PNT systems.

GPS Product Support Delta
Maintains and sustains all systems delivered by the SSC MilComm & PNT Acquisition Deltas (Space Systems, Control Systems, and User Equipment Systems).

Space Launch Delta 45 (SLD 45)
Patrick SFB, Florida
Conducts all space launch operations from the East Coast, including GPS.

Continue reading to learn about GPS operational control. 

About the Author: Matteo Luccio

Matteo Luccio, GPS World’s Editor-in-Chief, possesses more than 20 years of experience as a writer and editor for GNSS and geospatial technology magazines. He began his career in the industry in 2000, serving as managing editor of GPS World and Galileo’s World, then as editor of Earth Observation Magazine and GIS Monitor. His technical articles have been published in more than 20 professional magazines, including Professional Surveyor Magazine, Apogeo Spatial and xyHt. Luccio holds a master’s degree in political science from MIT. He can be reached at mluccio@northcoastmedia.net or 541-543-0525.