Space Force Awards $287 Million Software Contract for Strategic SATCOM Mission Planning

The U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command awarded a $287 million contract to Sphinx Defense on July 27 to develop a mission planning prototype for the Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS) program's ground segment, known as GRIFFON. The software will manage the future fleet of nuclear command and control satellites, apportion bandwidth, and ensure secure communications for national leaders. The ESS program will replace the Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite constellation. The Space Force aims to field the ground segment in six years, half the traditional timeline, using competitive prototyping and the Pentagon's software acquisition pathway. The first two Boeing-built satellites are expected by 2031. The fiscal 2027 budget includes $1.8 billion for ESS, with $4.8 billion projected through fiscal 2031.

First published Aug 4, 02:59 PM UTCUpdated Jul 28, 05:45 PM UTC1 reports · 1 sources

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Space Force Awards $287 Million Software Contract for Strategic SATCOM Mission Planning

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Space Force Awards $287 Million Software Contract for Strategic SATCOM Mission PlanningAir & Space Forces MagazineWesternJul 28, 05:45 PM UTC

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