Boeing Lands $2.8 Billion Deal for Strategic Space Force Communications Program

On Thursday, the U.S. Space Force announced a major $2.8 billion contract with Boeing to deliver secure and durable communications systems for key strategic initiatives, under the Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS) program.

In securing the contract, Boeing was preferred over Northrop Grumman, and the agreement includes funding for two primary satellites with additional options for the Space Force to purchase two more. Both companies had previously constructed satellite prototypes as part of contracts awarded in 2020.

Kay Sears, the Vice President and General Manager at Boeing’s division for Space, Intelligence, and Weapons systems, emphasized the importance of a reliable national security framework that provides the utmost security and functionality. “We have engineered a pioneering system that ensures reliable communication capabilities which can adapt to changing threats in space,” Sears explained.

The ESS program, which follows the Space Force’s Advanced Extremely High Frequency system, aims to enhance the resilience and cybersecurity features of its new satellite models.

The development and deployment of these satellites under the contract are scheduled for completion by 2033.

Additionally, the Space Force plans to expand its satellite capabilities under the broader $12 billion ESS initiative, which now includes plans to enhance capabilities in the Arctic region.

Prior to the ESS contract announcement, the Space Force communicated the cancellation of another satellite communication program known as the Protected Tactical SATCOM–Resilient (PTS-R). This decision is part of a strategic shift towards a new SATCOM approach that emphasizes quicker deployment of incremental capabilities. The initial focus of this new strategy will be on enhancing anti-jam features through the ongoing Protected Tactical Waveform project.

While details of the new strategy are still being outlined, the Space Force confirmed that the foundational capabilities of other ongoing programs will continue. These include the Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global, Protected Tactical Enterprise Service, Enterprise Management and Control, and the joint Air Force-Army Anti-Jam Modem initiatives.

The new strategic direction is expected to not only cut costs but also lead to contracts that carry lower risks.

The first launches of the new Protected Tactical SATCOM prototypes are planned for the upcoming year.