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3w ago

Space Force Awards $287 Million OTA to Sphinx for ESS Mission‑Planning Software

The deal advances a ground system that will allocate secure, jam‑resistant communications for the satellite constellation set to replace AEHF.

On-orbit render of a spacecraft resembling Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications Satellite. Image: Boeing

Overview

  • Space Systems Command awarded Sphinx Defense a $287 million Other Transaction Authority agreement to complete Phase 3 prototyping and development of the Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) mission‑planning application.
  • Phase 3 work builds directly on competitive Phase 1 and Phase 2 prototypes that tested mission planning designs for scheduling, allocation and network optimization.
  • The agreement used the Space Enterprise Consortium OTA vehicle to speed prototype work under more flexible terms than standard federal contracts.
  • Boeing holds a separate multi‑billion dollar contract to build the first ESS satellites, and the two programs together advance replacement of the Lockheed Martin‑built AEHF protected‑communications constellation.
  • The ESS program remains in development with the Space Force requesting about $139.7 million in its FY2027 procurement plan for continued work, and the mission‑planning software will be essential to keeping survivable command links for national leaders and strategic forces.