Global Postioning (Space)

The GPSSPC - Global Positioning (Space) program is a critical line item within the Department of Defense (DoD) budget, managed by the United States Air Force under the Space Force's Space Procurement appropriation. This program supports the Navstar Global Positioning System (GPS), which provides highly accurate time, three-dimensional position, and velocity information to military users worldwide. The GPSSPC line aims to ensure the continued reliability, security, and operational effectiveness of GPS capabilities for military platforms, including aircraft, ships, ground vehicles, and personnel.

The primary objectives of the GPSSPC program center on procurement activities related to the ground control and user equipment segments of the GPS architecture. The GPS system consists of three main segments: satellites, ground control, and user equipment. While satellite procurement is managed through other budget lines, GPSSPC focuses on the production and support of ground control infrastructure and secure user equipment necessary for military operations. This includes maintaining the ability to update navigation messages and vectors, which are essential for accurate targeting and navigation in dynamic operational environments.

A key component funded under GPSSPC is the Key Data Loading Installation Facility (KLIF)/GPS Security Device. The KLIF is responsible for programming black key (cryptographic) algorithms into the Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM). SAASM is a security feature integrated into military GPS user equipment to ensure accurate positioning solutions while protecting against spoofing and unauthorized access. The KLIF enables secure initialization and updating of cryptographic parameters, which are vital for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of GPS signals used in military operations.

In FY 2026, the GPSSPC line item allocates funding for the programming of cryptographic algorithms and initialization parameters into SAASM-equipped GPS user devices. This supports the procurement of services and equipment necessary for SAASM Key Data Processor (KDP) based user equipment programming. The objective is to ensure uninterrupted support to SAASM developers, who are required to integrate the government-provided KDP as part of the overall security architecture for GPS user equipment. This integration is essential for maintaining secure and resilient GPS operations in increasingly contested and adversarial space environments.

Additionally, the GPSSPC program supports activities that enhance system resiliency and situational awareness. These activities may include program office support, technical studies, and analysis aimed at responding to emerging threats with speed and agility. The program leverages partnerships with commercial entities, other U.S. Government agencies, and international allies to address evolving adversarial capabilities and ensure the GPS system remains robust and secure. This collaborative approach is driven by the need to rapidly adapt to technological advancements and threat landscapes in the space domain.

The GPSSPC line item does not include procurement of initial spares or flyaway unit costs, as these are documented elsewhere in the budget. Its focus remains on the production and support of secure ground control and user equipment, with an emphasis on cryptographic security and system resilience. The funding levels reflect the targeted nature of these procurement efforts, which are designed to address specific security and operational requirements for military GPS users.