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 photo)
7/27/2012 - LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The U.S. Air Force has awarded a $338.7 million contract modification to Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems for production of the 10th satellite for the Wideband Global Satellite Communications program. This contract award ensures the continuation of critical wideband communications support to the warfighter.
WGS-10 is a part of the WGS Satellites 7 to 10 contract. These satellites are being procured under a commercial-like operating model that has resulted in significant savings to the U.S. government without compromising mission assurance. These savings arise from streamlining processes, tests and governmental oversight functions commensurate with the maturity of the WGS production line. WGS-10 also includes the new wideband digital channelizer -- nearly doubling satellite bandwidth over the current WGS configuration.
The acquisition of Satellite 10 continues the production of WGS satellites, which began in 2000. Satellites 1 through 3 are operational and in geosynchronous orbit providing wideband communications to warfighters around the globe. WGS-4 was launched in January 2012 and is being readied for operations. Satellites 5 through 9 are currently in production.
Wideband Global SATCOM provides anytime, anywhere communication for the warfighter through broadcast, multicast and point-to-point connections. WGS is the only system that can support simultaneous X- and Ka-band communications. The WGS crossbanding capability makes communicating across terminal types transparent to the warfighter. WGS currently collects and routes real-time data through more than 700 X-band, 3100 Ka-band and 400 X/Ka-band terminals in all theaters of operation.
Media representatives who would like to interview a subject matter expert or learn more about the WGS-10 satellite should send an e-mail to smcpa.media@losangeles.af.mil <mailto:smcpa.media@losangeles.af.mil> or call 310-653-2367 or 653-5505.
