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 Dec 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. A Nunn-McCurdy review due to a critical Average Procurement Unit Cost (APUC) breach has completed and the program consisting of eight satellites was certified on 1 June 2010. 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. Funding is in Budget Activity 4, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes, as it supports component development and prototyping for Wideband MILSATCOM.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2012
• Source ID: 0603854F_4_3600_PB_2012
• Change Summary Explanation: None.
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

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

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering.
• Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

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