Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) | Space Vehicles, Budget/Costs, Specs

About the WGS Program:

The Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) Satellite system (previously known as the Wideband Gapfiller Satellites) is a constellation of satellites in geosynchronous orbit providing worldwide communication coverage for tactical and fixed users. The complete WGS constellation will consist of a total of ten satellites (eight U.S. funded, one funded by Australia, and one funded by other international partners). The WGS prime contractor is Boeing, which will build the satellites based on its proven 702 HP/MP satellite platform.

With its first launch in October 2007, second launch in April 2009, third launch in December 2009, and fourth launch in January 2012, WGS Space Vehicles SV-1, SV-2, SV-3, and SV-4 are the highest capacity communications satellites used by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The constellation will provide communications service in both the X and Ka-band frequency spectrums. WGS supplements X-band communications now provided by the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) and provides a one-way Ka-band service, similar to the one provided by the Global Broadcast Service (GBS). Additionally, WGS provides a new two-way Ka-band service. The WGS satellites provide a major leap in communications capacity, connectivity and flexibility for U.S. armed forces, while seamlessly integrating with current and future X-band and Ka-band terminals. Each WGS satellite provides more SATCOM capacity than the entire DSCS constellation. The communications services provided by the WGS satellites allows military commanders to exert command & control of tactical forces. These forces will rely on WGS to provide high-capacity connectivity into the terrestrial portion of the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN).

In January 2012, a multilateral partnership between the United States, Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and New Zealand was codified. U.S. contributions include existing and programmed infrastructure, to include the acquisition, launch, operations, and sustainment costs of WGS Space Vehicles 1-8, and the launch, operations, and sustainment of WGS-9. Contributions from other partners will fund WGS SV-9 acquisition and support activities.

Part of the MILSATCOM Directorate's Wideband SATCOM Group, the WGS system is composed of three principal segments: Space Segment
(satellites), Control Segment (operators) and Terminal Segment (users). The Wideband SATCOM Group is responsible for development, acquisition, fielding and sustainment of the WGS Program. Block II satellites 5 and 6 are projected for launch in January 2013 and May 2013, respectively. Block II follow-on satellites 7, 8 and 9 are anticipated for launch in FY 2016, FY 2017, and FY 2018 respectively. Satellites are launched by Delta IV or Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles (EELV).

Communication Features:
-X-band: 8x spot-beam transmit/receive via phased-array antennas
-Ka-band: 10x gimbaled dish antennas
-35x 125 MHz channels.

The WGS constellation is controlled from four Wideband Satellite Operation Centers equipped with ground-based control elements delivered by Boeing, ITT Exelis, and Raytheon. Platform control is conducted from Schriever Air Force Base (home of the 50th Space Wing) in Colorado.

Price/Cost:

The unit cost of a WGS satellite (SV-8) is $353.90 million (2012).

Mission/Role:

The Wideband Global SATCOM Satellite system will provide a high-capacity military communications capability. The constellation delivers wideband communications and point-to-point service on Ka-band and X-band frequencies.

FY 2012 DoD Program:

Provides full funding for the 8th satellite. The sixth satellite is funded by Australia. Added funds in the amount of $335 million will be to used to purchase an additional WGS satellite. This satellite will be designated WGS SV-10.

FY 2013 DoD Program:

Funds the checkout, launch and support costs of the WGS constellation. For more information, click to see the FY 2013 DoD Wideband Global SATCOM Budget.

Source: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and The Boeing Company