Boeing Awarded $2 Billion Military Satellite Contract
The two-satellite order secures U.S. narrowband military communications capacity through the mid-2030s.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Space
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In June 2026, Space Systems Command awarded Boeing a $2 billion contract to build two additional Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellites. This development expands the existing military network currently serving over 150,000 joint warfighters and weapon systems.
Why it matters
The investment aims to maintain critical narrowband communication links as the current constellation reaches its service lifespan. By upgrading this hardware, the Space Force ensures the network remains operational through the mid-2030s.
The contract follows a 2024 phase where the Space Force paid two firms $66 million each for preliminary design and risk reduction. The system utilizes third-generation cellular technology to provide secure military narrowband communications.
The players
Boeing
An aerospace and defense manufacturer that integrates complex communication payloads and satellite buses for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Space Systems Command
A field command of the U.S. Space Force responsible for the research, development, acquisition, and sustainment of space-based capabilities.
Katherine Coens
The Narrowband SATCOM Division program director who oversees the acquisition strategy for military communication satellites.
The details
The Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) functions by adapting commercial WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) cellular technology, a method for transmitting voice and data over radio frequencies, for secure military use. Space Systems Command manages the integrated architecture, which coordinates space-based relays with ground stations and sustainment infrastructure. This configuration allows for continuous coverage across global theaters, supporting the command-and-control requirements of over 150,000 joint warfighters.
Timeline
2012-2016: The first five MUOS satellites were launched.
2023: The Space Force assumed formal responsibility for the MUOS program.
2024: Two companies received $66 million each for preliminary design and risk reduction.
June 2026: The $2 billion contract was awarded to Boeing.
October 29, 2026: Katherine Coens is scheduled to speak at Silicon Valley Space Week.
The Tech Race
The MUOS expansion mirrors the modernization trajectory of the GPS IIIF program, which is currently refreshing a 22-satellite constellation. Both efforts prioritize the long-term sustainment of critical narrowband and navigation networks as legacy assets approach retirement.
This program supports the connectivity requirements for over 150,000 joint warfighters and critical military weapon systems. The two new satellites are currently projected to launch no earlier than 2031 and 2032.
The takeaway
The Space Force is prioritizing long-term stability for its narrowband communication network to avoid gaps in service through the next decade. Industry observers should track the upcoming launch schedules in 2031 to verify the delivery of these mission-critical assets.
What happens next
Katherine Coens will discuss the program at Silicon Valley Space Week, beginning October 29, 2026.
Further reading
For more context on current orbital deployments, visit the Space section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Satnews.
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