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The Wideband Global
SATCOM satellite is the successor to the Defense Satellite
Communications System-III. One WGS satellite has about 12
times the bandwidth of a DSCS-III satellite. (Courtesy
image/Boeing) |
Mission
As the backbone of the U.S. military's global satellite
communications, WGS provides flexible, high-capacity
communications for the Nation's warfighters through procurement
and operation of the satellite constellation and the associated
control systems. WGS provides worldwide flexible, high data rate
and long haul communications for marines, soldiers, sailors,
airmen, the White House Communication Agency, the US State
Department, international partners, and other special users.
Features
The WGS system is a constellation of highly capable military
communications satellites that leverage cost-effective methods and
technological advances in the communications satellite industry.
The WGS system is composed of three principal segments: Space
Segment (satellites), Control Segment (operators) and Terminal
Segment (users). WGS Space Vehicles (SVs) are the Department of
Defense's highest capacity communications satellites. Each WGS
satellite provides service in both the X and Ka frequency bands,
with the unprecedented ability to cross-band between the two
frequencies onboard the satellite. WGS augments the one-way Global
Broadcast Service (GBS) service through new two-way Ka-band
service.
Each WGS satellite is digitally channelized and transponded. These
characteristics provide a quantum leap in communications capacity,
connectivity and flexibility for U.S. military forces and
international partners while seamlessly integrating with current
and future X- and Ka-band terminals. Just one WGS satellite
provides more SATCOM capacity than the entire legacy Defense
Satellite Communications System (DSCS) constellation.
Background
WGS provides essential communications services, allowing Combatant
Commanders to exert command and control of their tactical forces,
from peace time to military operations. Tactical forces will rely
on WGS to provide high-capacity connectivity to the Defense
Information Systems Network (DISN).
International partners participating on the WGS program are
Australia, Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and New
Zealand.
The on-orbit WGS constellation is comprised of six satellites in
geosynchronous orbit. The first WGS satellite was launched in
October 2007. There are three Block I satellites (launched in
October 2007, April 2009, December 2009) and three WGS Block II
satellites (launched in January 2012, May 2013, and August 2013).
Part of the Space and Missile Systems Center's MILSATCOM
Directorate, the Wideband MILSATCOM Division is responsible for
development, acquisition, fielding and sustainment of the WGS
Program. Four Block II follow-on satellites are anticipated for
launch between FY15 and FY 18. WGS satellites are launched either
via the Delta IV or the Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle.
General Characteristics
Primary Function: High-capacity military communications satellite
Primary Contractor: Boeing Defense, Space and Security
Payload: Transponded, cross-banded-X and Ka-band communications
suite
Antennas: Electrically steerable, phased array X-band transmit and
receive; mechanically steered Ka-band; and fixed Earth-coverage
X-band
Capability: 39 125-MHz Channels via digital channelizer/router,
2.1 Gbps capacity
Launches
WGS-1: October 10, 2007
WGS-2: April 4, 2009
WGS-3: December 5, 2009
WGS-4: January 19, 2012
WGS-5: May 23, 2013
WGS-6: August 7, 2013
WGS-7: TBD
WGS-8: TBD
WGS-9: TBD
WGS- 10: TBD
(Current as of March 2015)
Point of Contact: Air Force
Space Command Public Affairs Office; 150 Vandenberg St., Suite
1105; Peterson AFB, Colo., 80914-4500; DSN 692-3731 or (719)
554-3731.
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