Boeing Wins $2B U.S. Space Force Contract for Two MUOS Satellites
The U.S. Space Force awarded Boeing a $2 billion contract on June 25, 2026, to build two narrowband communication satellites for the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), extending the constellation’s service life to 2035. Boeing replaces incumbent Lockheed Martin, leveraging its 702MP platform. The satellites, launching by 2031-2032, will provide secure UHF voice/data for troops globally. The Space Force is also exploring future proliferated MEO constellations and LEO UHF demonstrations.
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Boeing Wins $2B MUOS Satellite Contract from Space Systems Command
On June 24, 2026, The Boeing Company was awarded a maximum $2 billion fixed-price-incentive-firm-target contract by the U.S. Space Systems Command for Phase II of the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) service life extension. Boeing will design, develop, build, and provide launch and on-orbit test support for two MUOS satellites, with completion expected by September 30, 2035. The competitive acquisition received two offers. Additionally, on June 23, Boeing received a $121.2 million order for retrofit kits on Navy P-8A aircraft, and on June 19, an $880 million contract for P-8A Poseidon training systems. These contracts underscore Boeing's ongoing role in U.S. defense satellite communications and maritime patrol aircraft modernization.
Yahoo FinanceBoeing beats Lockheed to extend military satellite network
The U.S. Space Force awarded Boeing a contract worth up to $2 billion on June 25, 2026, to build two new Mobile User Objective System Service Life Extension (MUOS SLE) narrowband communications satellites. The contract will extend the military's secure voice communications network beyond the current constellation's end-of-life. Boeing will use its 702MP spacecraft platform, with delivery scheduled for 2031 and 2032. The contract represents a competitive loss for Lockheed Martin, which built the original five MUOS satellites. Boeing previously developed the payloads for the existing constellation, giving it deep technical familiarity. The MUOS system uses UHF frequency band (300 MHz to 3 GHz) to provide secure voice, video, and data communications to military users globally, including in challenging environments like dense jungles and urban areas where higher-frequency systems fail.
The Defence Blog – Military and Defense NewsBoeing beats Lockheed to extend military satellite network
The U.S. Space Force awarded Boeing a contract worth up to $2 billion on June 25, 2026, to build two new satellites under the Mobile User Objective System Service Life Extension (MUOS SLE) program. Boeing will replace Lockheed Martin as the prime contractor for the constellation, leveraging its 702MP spacecraft platform. The new satellites are scheduled for delivery in 2031 and 2032, extending the military's secure voice communications network into the 2030s. The existing five-satellite MUOS constellation provides global ultra-high frequency (UHF) coverage for troops in challenging terrain like jungles and urban areas, using adapted commercial 3G cellular technology. Boeing previously built the payloads for the current Lockheed-built satellites, giving it deep familiarity with the system. The 702MP platform is already in active production, which Boeing says offers schedule advantages. The contract ensures continued secure communications for special operations, submarine crews, and pilots.
The Defence Blog – Military and Defense NewsSpace Force Awards Boeing $2 Billion for Two Narrowband Communication Satellites
The United States Space Force has selected Boeing to build two narrowband communication satellites for the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), awarding a $2 billion contract. Boeing beat out incumbent contractor Lockheed Martin. The new satellites will extend the MUOS constellation's service life until 2035, five years beyond its current expectancy, with launches planned for 2031 and 2032. The spacecraft will feature Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) capabilities but will not carry the legacy payload, as the military transitions from older UHF equipment. The Space Force is simultaneously developing a future narrowband satellite communications (SATCOM) strategy, exploring a proliferated constellation in medium-Earth orbit (MEO). Separately, York Space Systems successfully demonstrated UHF communication capabilities from low-Earth orbit (LEO) for the Space Development Agency.
Air & Space Forces MagazineSpace Force Awards Boeing $2 Billion for Two Narrowband Communication Satellites
The U.S. Space Force has awarded Boeing a $2 billion contract to build two satellites for the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), extending the narrowband satellite communications program's life to 2035. Boeing edged out incumbent Lockheed Martin, which built the current fleet of four operational MUOS satellites and one spare. The new satellites, expected to launch no earlier than 2031 and 2032, will provide Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) capability without the legacy payload. Boeing will leverage its 702MP spacecraft production line. In parallel, the Space Force is developing a future narrowband SATCOM strategy, including potential proliferated constellations in medium-Earth orbit and experiments with UHF connectivity via LEO satellites. The Navy, a major MUOS user, transferred program oversight to the Space Force in 2023.
Air & Space Forces MagazineSpace Force Awards Boeing $2 Billion for Two Narrowband Communication Satellites
The U.S. Space Force has awarded Boeing a $2 billion contract to build two narrowband communication satellites for the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), extending the constellation's service life until 2035. Boeing beat incumbent Lockheed Martin, which built the current fleet of four operational satellites and one spare. The new satellites, expected to launch no earlier than 2031 and 2032, will not carry the legacy payload used by older terminals, as the military transitions away from the Ultra High Frequency Follow-on system. The Space Force is simultaneously developing a future narrowband SATCOM architecture, potentially involving a proliferated constellation in medium-Earth orbit (MEO) with lower-cost satellites. A prototype satellite is planned for fiscal year 2030. Additionally, the Space Development Agency successfully demonstrated UHF connectivity via a York Space Systems satellite in low-Earth orbit, serving as a pathfinder for future Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture missions.
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