Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS)

The Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) program is a critical initiative managed by the United States Air Force and Space Force, designed to modernize and enhance the nation's strategic satellite communications capabilities. The primary goal of ESS is to serve as the backbone for Joint All Domain Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3), replacing the legacy Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) SATCOM system. ESS aims to provide global, integrated, survivable, resilient, and dynamic communications for assured strategic endurance across the entire conflict spectrum. This system is intended to support the National Command Authority (NCA), Combatant Commanders, and joint warfighters, ensuring secure, jam-resistant communications for strategic ground, sea, and air assets, including unique coverage for the Arctic region.

The objectives of the ESS Space Segment focus on the procurement and development of new satellite vehicles with advanced capabilities. In FY 2026, the budget line specifically requests advance procurement funds for critical long lead parts required for ESS Space Vehicles 3 and 4. These components, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), printed circuit boards, and antenna elements, are essential to maintaining the production schedule and achieving initial operational capability by FY 2032.

The Space Segment is transitioning from a Middle-Tier Acquisition (MTA) approach to a Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) in FY 2025, reflecting the program's maturation and the need for robust oversight and integration.

The ESS Ground Segment, also referred to as GRIFFON (Ground Resilient Integration & Framework for Operational NC3), encompasses the Ground Integration and Framework (GIF), System of Systems Integration (SoSI), and Mission Software Applications. The goal is to create a resilient, modular, and cybersecure architecture that bridges modern software practices with legacy user terminal capabilities. The GIF/SoSI leverages rapid prototyping through the Software Acquisition Pathway and Other Transactional Authority (OTA), enabling agile development and integration of mission applications. This approach supports incremental enhancements and ensures that all ESS segments and external entities can operate cohesively.

The ESS Crypto Segment is dedicated to the development, integration, and testing of National Security Agency (NSA)-certified End-Cryptographic Units (ECUs). These units are required for secure encryption of strategic communications across ESS payloads, buses, test terminals, and user terminals. The modular acquisition strategy for the Crypto Segment is designed to avoid vendor lock-in, promote industry competition, and foster collaboration with small, innovative businesses, particularly through the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) OTA. This segment is vital for maintaining the cybersecurity and resiliency of strategic communications in contested environments.

A key justification for the ESS program is its ability to address capability gaps identified in the Protected Satellite Communications Services (PSCS) Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), the Protected Follow-on for Resiliency (PAFR) Study, and recommendations from the Strategic Tiger Team. The ESS architecture is being developed in accordance with the United States Strategic Command's signed Concept of Operations and the Joint Requirements Oversight Council's validated Capability Development Document (CDD). These documents ensure that ESS meets legacy AEHF requirements while introducing enhancements for increased resiliency, cybersecurity, and operational flexibility.

The FY 2026 advance procurement funds are specifically allocated to secure long lead components for ESS Space Vehicles 3 and 4, which are critical for maintaining the program's production timeline. Some of these parts require extended lead time due to high demand and manufacturing complexity. In addition to hardware procurement, the funding supports independent technical, systems engineering, and integration activities necessary for managing production milestones and ensuring mission assurance. These efforts enable the program to rapidly respond to emerging threats in the cyber and contested space domains.