The US Space Systems Command has awarded Boeing a $2.8-billion deal to supply space vehicles in support of the Evolved Strategic Satellite (ESS) Communications program.
Boeing is set to deliver and produce two satellites, with an option for two more for the ESS initiative. It beat Northrop Grumman out of the competition, since they were awarded rapid prototyping contracts in 2020.
Delivery of the first of two spacecraft is expected in 2031.
“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 (Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications) enterprise with the development and production of the ESS weapon system,” said ESS Program Director, Col A.J. Ashby.
“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.”
Evolved Strategic Satellite
The spacecraft will be deployed in geostationary orbit or about 22,000 miles (35,700 kilometers) from the Earth’s surface, supporting the initial operational capability of the ESS program, which provides the primary strategic satellite communications for the NC3.
The ESS functions to ensure that Washington’s nuclear triad, composed of weapon systems from land, air, and sea, works as an effective deterrent against conventional and nuclear threats.
In addition, the program is meant to replace the Space Force’s Advanced Extremely High Frequency constellation with satellites that come with enhanced capabilities, resilience, and protection.
According to Boeing, its military satellites are built on technology developed for the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS)-11 and WGS-12 satellites, which has also been successfully demonstrated in orbit as part of the commercial O3b mPOWER constellation.
They will “leverage a highly protected waveform and classified technologies” developed together with the Pentagon.
“It’s a critical time to advance US space capabilities to ensure peace through strength,” US Space Force Program Executive Officer Cordell DeLaPena said.
“The strategic communication mission requires protection, power and always-available capability, even through adversary attempts to interrupt our connectivity. These satellites will provide connectivity from space as part of a refreshed NC3 architecture for our nation.”
