Wideband MILSATCOM (Space)

Abstract

The Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) System, previously known as Wideband Gapfiller Satellites, provides DoD users with high data rate military satellite communication (MILSATCOM) services in accordance with the Joint Space Management Board-approved MILSATCOM architecture (Aug 96), the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC)-approved MILSATCOM Capstone Requirements Document (Oct 97), and the JROC-approved WGS Operational Requirements Document (May 00). Dual-frequency WGS satellites augment, then replace the DoD's Defense Satellite Communications Systems (DSCS) X-band service and augment one-way Global Broadcast Service Ka-band capabilities. In addition, WGS provides a new high capacity two-way Ka-band service. WGS Block I consists of satellites 1-3. These satellites were successfuly launched on 10 Oct 07 3 Apr 09, and 5 Dec 09, respectively. WGS Block II consists of satellites 4-6. Block II satellites will incorporate minor modifications to better support the Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance mission. Launches for satellites 4-5 are scheduled for Oct 11 and Oct 12, respectively. A United States-Australia WGS partnership was codified 14 Nov 07. Australia provides funds needed to buy WGS-6 in exchange for access to constellation-wide resources. Launch for satellite 6 is scheduled for Mar 13. WGS Block II Follow-on currently consists of satellites 7 and 8 with projected launches in FY16 and FY17, respectively. With the cancellation of the Transformational Satellite Communications System (TSAT) program, the Air Force is updating the Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Initial Capabilities Document (ICD), and will conduct a comprehensive Analysis of Alternatives across the MILSATCOM enterprise. The results will inform future budget cycles, to include the number of WGS satellites required to provide continuity of wideband services to military users around the world and meet increasing wideband demand. The MILSATCOM Command and Control System-Consolidated (CCS-C) system provides integrated launch and on-orbit command and control (C2) functionality for MILSATCOM satellites. CCS-C uses modified commercial off the shelf hardware/software to control all emerging and legacy MILSATCOM systems to include Milstar, DSCS, WGS, and the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) system. CCS-C will also support the implementation of space situational awareness and new C2 training systems. (U) Funding is in Budget Activity 4, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes, as it supports component development and prototyping for Wideband MILSATCOM.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2011
Source ID
0603854F_4_3600_PB_2011
Change Summary Explanation
Congress added $40M FY09 funds for WGS program sustainment and evolution. $30M of the FY09 congressional add was reprogrammed as Missile Procurement, Air Force (MPAF) to address WGS sustainment. $7.44M FY09 funds have been reprogrammed to the CCS-C program in support of the Standard Space Trainer and continued development and operations readiness due to delayed WGS SV-2 and SV-3 launch dates. The FY 2010 President's Budget submittal did not reflect FY 2011 through FY2015 funding. Therefore, explanation of changes between the two budget positions cannot be made in a relevant manner.
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Command And Control
  • Command And Control Systems
  • Contracts
  • Cost Analysis
  • Engineering
  • Frequency
  • Ka Band
  • Military Satellites
  • Prototypes
  • Satellite Communications
  • Situational Awareness
  • Software Development
  • Space Situational Awareness
  • Spacecraft
  • Test And Evaluation

Readers

  • Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
  • Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
  • Space
  • Space - Satellites

Related Documents