ULA launches 10th WGS comms satellite for U.S. military

The Boeing-built WGS satellites provide extensive communications coverage across a full spectrum of bandwidths. The Department of Defense depends on the WGS system to communicate with warfighters across the globe.

The WGS constellation, which provides service in the X and Ka bands, is much more powerful than previous systems. According to the U.S. Air Force, just one of the ten new WGS satellites – the first of which was launched in 2007 – can provide more satellite communications capacity than the entire legacy Defense Satellite Communications System.

https:// www.upi.com/Science_News/2019/03/15/ULA-launches-10th-WGS-comms-satellite-for-US-military/4121552613753/?mpst=2

Wideband Global SATCOM Satellite

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).

https:// www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104512/wideband-global-satcom-satellite/