Jim Wolf on the Guardian website is reporting that the first Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) satellite will be operational over the Pacific region next week. "We expect to start cutting over operational communications networks from the existing constellation to the new satellite next week," said Air Force Col. James Wolf, chief of the command's military satellite communications division.
You can read the complete story at http://www.guardian.co.uk/feedarticle?id=7453267
These digitally channelized, transponded satellites provide communications capacity, connectivity and flexibility for U.S. military forces, while maintaining interoperability with existing and programmed X- and Ka-band terminals. WGS will provide essential communications services for combatant commanders to command and control their tactical forces. Tactical forces will rely on WGS to provide high-capacity connectivity into the terrestrial portion of the Defense Information Systems Network.
WGS Space Vehicle (SV) 1 becomes the Department of Defense's highest capacity communications satellite. A constellation of five satellites will provide service in both the X and Ka-band frequency spectrums. WGS will supplant X-band communications now provided by the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) and one-way Ka-band service provided by the Global Broadcast Service (GBS). Additionally, WGS will provide a new two-way Ka-band service.
Description
WGS is a multi-service program that leverages commercial methods and technological advances in the satellite industry to rapidly design, build, launch and support a constellation of highly capable military communications satellites.
The next WGS satellites (No. 2 and 3) will be launched in 2007 and 2008. Both the Delta IV and Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles (EELV) will be used. Satellites 4 and 5 are anticipated for launch in 2011 and 2012.
The Wideband Global SATCOM system is composed of three principal segments: Space Segment (satellites), Control Segment (operators) and Terminal Segment (users). The MILSATCOM Systems Wing (MCSW) is responsible for development, acquisition fielding and sustainment of the WGS Program.
The Wideband Global SATCOM Satellite system is composed of the following principal segments:
Space Segment (satellites)
Terminal Segment (users)
Control Segment (operators)
The MILSATCOM Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is responsible for development, acquisition and sustainment of the WGS Program.
General Characteristics
Primary Function: High-capacity military communications satellite
Primary Contractor: Boeing Satellite Systems
Satellite Bus: Boeing 702
Weight: Approximately 13,000 lbs at launch, 7,600 lbs on-orbit
Orbit altitude: 22,300 miles
Payload: Transponded, cross-banded-X and Ka-band communications suite
Antennas: 8 beam, transmit and receive X-band Phased arrays and 10 Ka-band Gimbaled Dish Antennas, 1 X-band Earth coverage
Capability: 39 125-MHz Channels via digital channelizer/router
Launch vehicle: Delta IV and Atlas V EELVs
Inventory: 3 on contract, 2 more planned
Unit Cost: Approximately $300 million
Control: SGLS, USB, and in-band (X, Ka) control