WASHINGTON — Space Systems Command announced that Boeing will provide two additional satellites for the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) constellation under a $2 billion contract. Boeing was selected over Lockheed Martin for the MUOS Service Life Extension program.

Under the contract, Boeing will develop, deliver, and conduct on-orbit tests for two new space vehicles. The two new satellites will be the sixth and seventh for the constellation and are slated for launch no earlier than 2031 and 2032. The MUOS Service Life Extension program aims to ensure the tactical satellite communications constellation remains operational until 2035.

The MUOS constellation operates as a global, space-based cellular network providing secure connectivity via Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) bands. Lockheed Martin was named prime contractor for the MUOS program in 2004. Five MUOS satellites were launched into geosynchronous orbit between 2012 and 2016.

Responsibility for the MUOS program transferred from the US Navy to the Air Force in 2019. The Space Force officially took over responsibility for the constellation in 2023. Boeing and Lockheed Martin each received contracts worth $66 million in 2024 for the first phase of the service-life extension effort.

"This award strengthens our global communications infrastructure, ensuring our joint and coalition partners have the tools needed for advanced mil-UHF WCDMA communications," said Erin Carper, acting Space Force program acquisition executive for SATCOM and PNT. "By empowering our warfighters with secure and reliable connectivity, we enhance operational effectiveness across the globe."

The Space Force's fiscal 2026 budget includes $415 million in research and development for MUOS and almost $50 million in procurement. The fiscal 2027 research and development request for MUOS is $856 million. Total research and development funding for MUOS through 2031 is projected to be $2.6 billion.