WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force awarded Sphinx Defense a $287 million contract to develop ground software for the next generation of military satellite communications that will underpin the nation’s strategic nuclear command, control and communications system.

The award covers the mission planning application for the Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS) program, a software component that will plan, allocate and manage communications across the future satellite constellation. Boeing is developing the ESS satellites to replace the current Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) strategic communications system.

The Space Systems Command said July 27 that the agreement was awarded to Sphinx Defense through the Space Enterprise Consortium using an Other Transaction Authority (OTA), a procurement mechanism the Pentagon uses to fund prototype projects outside the traditional federal contracting process.

Sphinx Defense develops software for satellite ground systems, including mission planning, communications scheduling and network optimization.

ESS is designed to provide secure, highly jam-resistant and survivable communications, allowing U.S. national leaders to command and control military forces worldwide, including during the most demanding operational conditions.

“This award delivers the vital mission planning capability for ESS, ensuring the ground segment is fully prepared to manage complex global scenarios,” Space Systems Command said in a news release.

Unlike conventional federal contracts, OTA agreements generally allow more flexible terms and faster procurement for research and prototype efforts. The Space Enterprise Consortium is an umbrella OTA established by Space Systems Command to accelerate development of space technologies by government and industry participants.

The Space Force last year selected Boeing for a $2.8 billion contract to develop and build the first two ESS satellites, with options for two additional spacecraft.

Together, the satellite and ground software awards advance the replacement of the Lockheed Martin-built AEHF constellation, which provides protected communications for U.S. strategic forces.