U.S. Space Force Hosts Reverse Industry Day for Evolved Strategic SATCOM and Ground Radar Upgrades

The U.S. Space Force is conducting an Evolved Strategic satellite communication (ESS) reverse industry day in Washington, D.C., to gather industry input on military solutions. The ESS program aims to deploy satellites by fiscal 2030, with initial operational capability expected in fiscal 2032. Concurrently, the Space Force plans to upgrade eight legacy ground-based radars for missile defense through a digitization initiative, seeking industry feedback by April 1.

Published Mar 24, 2026

The U.S. Space Force is meeting with companies this week for an Evolved Strategic satellite communication (ESS) reverse industry day in Washington, D.C. This follows the selection of Boeing for a $2.8 billion contract to build two ESS satellites, with deployment planned for fiscal 2030 and initial operational capability by fiscal 2032.

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Additionally, the Space Force is expanding its Ground Based Radar Digitization (GBRD) effort to upgrade eight aging ground-based radars for enhanced missile defense capabilities. The revised program will digitize both the front and back end of the radars, enabling improved threat detection and tracking. Vendors have until April 1 to respond to the request for information.