Boeing Secures $2.8B U.S. Space Force Contract for Evolved Strategic Satellite Program

The Boeing Company has been awarded a $2.8 billion contract by the U.S. Space Force to develop and deliver the first two satellites under the Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS) program, with options for two more.

The contract marks a key step in overhauling the United States' nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) infrastructure.

Announced by the Space Systems Command on July 3, the cost-plus-incentive-award-fee contract covers the development and production of four ESS space vehicles. The work will be performed in El Segundo, California, and is expected to be completed by December 31, 2033. Fiscal 2025 funds amounting to $100 million have been obligated at the time of the award.

The ESS constellation will succeed the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) system, providing NC3 users with enhanced anti-jam, secure communications. Operating in geostationary orbit, the satellites will support nuclear command functions across the full spectrum of military operations, from peacetime to conflict.

“The strategic communication mission requires protection, power, and always-available capability,” said Cordell DeLaPena, Program Executive Officer for Military Communications at the Space Force. “These satellites will provide connectivity from space as part of a refreshed NC3 architecture.”

Boeing’s ESS design incorporates lessons learned from previous programs, including WGS-11, WGS-12, and commercial O3b mPOWER satellites. It features flexible and resilient signals to resist interference or interception.

ESS is part of the broader $12 billion ESS Space Segment acquisition, which includes cryptographic, ground, and user terminal segments. Future satellites may be procured under fixed-price contracts to support full operational capability and global coverage, including the Arctic.

The contract was competitively awarded with two bids received. Boeing’s selection follows previous ESS prototyping efforts that also involved Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin.