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. The contract is part of the Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS) program, aimed at modernizing the United States' nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) capabilities. These satellites are designed to bolster secure communication for U.S. leadership and enhance strategic communication infrastructure. The SATCOM project could potentially scale up to $12 billion and is expected to be operational by 2031.