3 July, US space forces have concluded a contract with Boeing on $2,8 billion, In order to provide secure and reliable strategic missions within Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS).
Boeing bypassing Northrop Grumman in a contract competition, which involves the creation of two initial satellites with the possibility of ordering two more. Both companies with 2020 prototypes of satellites for this program were developed.
ESS is the successor to the Advanced Extremely High Frequency Space Force constellation. The new satellites will have increased stability and cyber protection. The works under the contract must be completed by 2033 year. As part of the wider ESS program, the cost $12 billions is planned for the purchase of additional satellites, in particular with improved capabilities for the Arctic.
Ahead of the ESS contract announcement, the Space Force canceled the Protected Tactical SATCOM–Resilient program (PTS-R) within the framework of the new satellite communication strategy, which focuses on faster delivery of capabilities. The new approach will accelerate the introduction of jamming protection through the Protected Tactical Waveform program, while maintaining the basic capabilities of other programs, such as Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global, Protected Tactical Enterprise Service, Enterprise Management and Control та Air Force-Army Anti-Jam Modem. This strategy will reduce contract costs and risks.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/space-force-picks-boeing-2-212145080.html