Boeing Wins $2.8B U.S. Space Force Strategic Satellite Contract

Boeing has secured a $2.8 billion contract from the U.S. Space Force to develop and manufacture two advanced satellites as part of the Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS) program, with options for two additional satellites. These satellites will enhance the U.S. nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) architecture by providing secure, resilient, and uninterrupted global communications in geostationary orbit, with the first satellite expected by 2031 and completion by 2033. The ESS program aims to replace the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) constellation, offering increased capacity, flexibility, cyber protection, and resistance to jamming or interception, using technologies proven in Boeing’s Wideband Global SATCOM and O3b mPOWER platforms. U.S. Space Force officials emphasize the critical nature of this program to ensure continuous connectivity despite adversarial disruptions, reflecting a strategic effort to modernize and strengthen national security space capabilities. Boeing's stock responded positively to the contract announcement, underscoring investor confidence in its expanding role in military satellite communications. This contract highlights Boeing's leadership and innovation in delivering mission-critical space-based systems vital for U.S. defense.