The International Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) Program

Canada joins WGS; So do Denmark, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and New Zealand; Successful launch of WGS F4, 1st block II sat. (Jan 19/12)

The US military needs a bigger data firehose. In an era of streaming data from proliferating UAVs and other persistent surveillance platforms, and the need for control of those systems anywhere in the world, bandwidth is almost as important as fuel. Commercial satellite communications (SATCOM) can fill some of the gaps, but it’s expensive, and may not be available when needed. The Wideband Gapfiller SATCOM (now Wideband Global SATCOM) program began as a way to ease these problems in the near term, using a derivative of an existing commercial satellite, alongside secure satellite efforts like AEHF. That role expanded after the T-SAT program’s cancellation, as AEHF and WGS became the twin pillars of US military communications. Satellite numbers increased, and some American allies are becoming part of these programs.

WGS is a set of 13-kilowatt spacecraft based upon Boeing’s model 702 commercial satellite. These satellites will support the USA’s warfighting bandwidth requirements, supporting tactical C4ISR (command, control, communications, and computers; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance); battle management; and combat support needs. Upon its 2007 launch into geosynchronous orbit, WGS Flight 1 became the U.S. Department of Defense’s highest capacity communication satellite. WGS F4, scheduled for launch in January 2012, will offer further improvements.

This is DID’s FOCUS Article covering the WGS program’s specifications, budgets, travails, international partnerships, and contracts, with links to additional research materials…

• WGS: Capabilities & Role
• The WGS Program & Schedule [updated]
• WGS Program: Contracts & Key Events [updated]
• Additional Readings

Displaying 260 of 7,102 words (about 18 pages)

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