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US Space Force Awards $287M Software Contract

July 29, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

US Space Force awards $287 million contract to Sphinx Defense.
Contract is for mission planning software for GRIFFON program.
Software will manage payload resources and operational mission planning.
GRIFFON serves as primary software ground segment for ESS system.

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Strategic Implications

This award may indicate the Space Force's emphasis on modernizing its Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications enterprise. The selection of Sphinx Defense suggests confidence in the company's ability to deliver cloud-native software tools, which could enhance the resilience and security of the ESS system.

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What Happened

Sphinx Defense To Deliver Mission Planning Software

The US Space Force has awarded a $287 million contract to Sphinx Defense for the development, integration, and deployment of mission planning software for the Ground Resilient Integration & Framework for Operational Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (GRIFFON) program. The software will support the Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS) system, providing secure and survivable communications for national command authorities and strategic nuclear forces. The contract was reported by an unknown source.

Source | Originally Published: July 28, 2026

Companies Mentioned