Boeing to Develop New Space Force Nuclear Communications Satellites

July 9, 2025

On-orbit render of a spacecraft resembling Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS) satellite. (Image: Boeing)

Under a new $2.8 billion contract award, Boeing will develop the first two satellites in the Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (SATCOM) [ESS] program for the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC). ESS replaces the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) capability currently provided by the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (EHF) system, modernizing this crucial element of the nation’s strategic capabilities with advanced technologies and approaches that more efficiently meet the needs of warfighters against modern threats.

With options for two additional satellites, this delivery will support Initial Operational Capability and is the first step in a phased approach to rapidly proliferate a diverse satellite constellation.

The ESS program, part of SSC’s Military Communications and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Program Executive Office, will provide the primary strategic SATCOM capability for NC3 users worldwide, enabling joint nuclear warfighters to deliver capabilities across the full spectrum of military operations from peacetime through conflict. With a resilient architecture, ESS will ensure America’s modernized nuclear triad functions as a deterrent capability in the face of both conventional and nuclear threats.

This effort builds on the accomplishments of individual contracts under the Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Prototyping acquisition efforts that were awarded to Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and The Boeing Company in 2020. During this phase, SSC drove defense innovation, leveraged competition, matured mission requirements, and reduced performance risk to critical technology elements in high-risk areas. This culminated in the achievement of compliant preliminary segment designs and end-to-end prototype demonstrations, significantly advancing the modernization of the NC3 enterprise.

“Today’s award culminates nearly five years of industry competition and Government partnership to show the Space Force’s readiness to spearhead the modernization of the NC3 enterprise with the development and production of the ESS weapon system,” explained Col A.J. Ashby, Program Director for ESS. “The result for our Nation will be the delivery of resilient space-based capabilities that will command and control our nuclear forces through all operational environments, critical functions necessary for enduring nuclear deterrence.”

The ESS system of systems is composed of Cryptographic, Ground, and Space Segments procured by the Space Force and a User Terminal Segment procured by the individual Services. The first four satellites will be delivered under a cost reimbursement contract. As part of the larger $12B ESS Space Segment acquisition, additional satellites are planned to be procured through fixed price contract actions that may be awarded as sole source to support Full Operational Capability and attain global coverage, including enhanced Arctic capability.

In a press release confirming the contract award, Boeing notes that its ESS solution is underpinned by technology the company has developed for the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS)-11 and WGS-12 satellites and has already proven on-orbit aboard the commercial O3b mPOWER constellation. Building on these developments, this strategic military communications satellite constellation will be equipped with flexible and resilient signals to protect against interruption or interception.

“This win validates all the investments and innovations we’ve made in our satellite technology, creating a technically mature and low-risk offering for the government,” said Michelle Parker, vice president of Boeing Space Mission Systems. “We scaled our production capacity, invested in our team, hired cleared talent, and assembled hot production lines to make sure that we can hit the ground running from day one. We are committed to delivering this critical capability to meet the strategic need.”

When deployed in geostationary orbit – about 22,000 miles or 35,700 km from the Earth’s surface – ESS will provide persistent coverage to strategic warfighters worldwide. The spacecraft will leverage a highly protected waveform and classified technologies developed jointly by Boeing and the Department of Defense (DoD).

Boeing is set to deliver the first of two space vehicles by 2031.

Source