Boeing has secured a $2.8 billion contract from the U.S. Space Force to develop and produce two next-generation nuclear-hardened satellites, with options for two additional satellites. This contract is part of the Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS) program aimed at enhancing the United States' nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) capabilities. The project is intended to bolster secure communications for U.S. leadership by 2031 and could scale up to $12 billion in total value. The satellites will be designed to support presidential and strategic military communications, ensuring resilience against nuclear threats and maintaining critical defense infrastructure.