Space Force Awards Boeing $2 Billion to Build Two New MUOS Narrowband Satellites

Boeing beat out Lockheed Martin for the Military User Objective Satellite Service Life Extension program, securing a contract to deliver two new narrowband communications satellites by the early 2030s.

Space Force Extends Military Narrowband Comms Through Mid-2030s with Boeing Award

The U.S. Space Force has awarded Boeing a $2 billion contract to design and build two new narrowband communications satellites, extending the operational life of the constellation through the mid-2030s.

Boeing prevailed over Lockheed Martin in the competition for the Service Life Extension program.

What MUOS Does

Schedule and Scope

The two new satellites are scheduled to launch no earlier than 2031 and 2032, respectively, and it means the new assets would enter service as the current MUOS constellation reaches the end of its designed operational life★. The contract is structured to keep the constellation continuously operational rather than allow a coverage gap to develop in the mid-2030s★.

Competitive Dynamics

The selection was made under a competitive acquisition process.

Broader Space Force Communications Push

The award fits into a broader pattern of Space Force investment in resilient military communications.

With the MUOS extension now under contract, the Space Force has visibility on narrowband communications coverage well into the next decade — a meaningful signal of continuity for the joint force units that depend on it.

★ AI inference: One or more analytical conclusions in this article were drawn by the AI from cited facts and are not directly stated in the cited sources.