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)
Almost seven years ago, November 20, 2002, the brand new EELV Delta IV rocket launched a commercial satellite into orbit in its inaugural mission. Now, seven years later the Air Force is set to demonstrate yet another first for the Delta IV system; a variant with a five meter second stage and four additional solid rocket motors. This M+ (5,4 ) configuration, as it’s known, will launch the WGS-3 satellite in support of our warfighters worldwide. This mission had presented a unique set of challenges for our combined government and contractor team, and due to the diligent efforts by the United Launch Alliance, The Aerospace Corporation, Launch and Range Systems Wing, the MILSATCOM Wing, and the 45th Space Wing professionals, all issues have been resolved. “We have postured ourselves for mission success,” said Col. Gary Henry, Mission Director for the launch and commander for the Launch and Range Systems Wing. “It is an honor to direct this team of capable and committed launch and satellite professionals.”
WGS-2 launched April 3, 2009 and US Strategic Command accepted it for operational use in August 2009. WGS-1 launched on October 10, 2007 and U.S. Strategic Command accepted it for operational use in April 2008. WGS-1 achieved Initial Operating Capability in January 2009.
The launch of WGS-3 is the last satellite to be delivered under the Block I contract. The WGS Block II contract for WGS-4 and WGS-5 was awarded in 2006. In December 2008, MILSATCOM Communications Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, authorized Boeing to begin production of the sixth WGS satellite with a contract launch date of March 2013. The sixth space vehicle is funded by the Australian government. In return, the Australian government receives a percentage of the WGS constellation bandwidth including the immediate use of WGS-1 and WGS-2. All three of the WGS Block II satellites are in full production, with the first Block II satellite scheduled for delivery in 2011.
"I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of the launch team in working the long hours that have brought us to where we are today,” said Col. Donald Robbins, commander, Wideband SATCOM Group, MILSATCOM Systems Wing. "With the launch of WGS-3, we continue to increase wideband capabilities and capacity for the warfighter and decrease US military’s use of commercial satellite communications."
WGS procurement is through commercial contracts with The Boeing Company by the Wideband SATCOM Group, part of the MILSATCOM Systems Wing. MCSW’s purpose is to plan for, acquire and sustain space-enabled global communications to support the President, Secretary of Defense, and combat forces. MCSW is apart of at the Space and Missiles System Center at Los Angeles Air Force Base. WGS is the nation’s next-generation wideband satellite communications system. It is augmenting and will eventually replace the Defense Satellite Communication System, the Department of Defense’s backbone for satellite communications over the last two decades.
The Air Force Space Command’s Space and Missile Systems Center, located at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the U.S. Air Force’s center of acquisition excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems including six wings and three groups responsible for GPS, military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, satellite control network, space based infrared systems, intercontinental ballistic missile systems and space situational awareness capabilities.