On 11 October 2007, the first Wideband Global SATCOM satellite was launched by an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla. WGS is DoD's highest capacity communications satellite providing increased bandwidth and high data rate and long haul communications for marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen worldwide. Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force Space Command.
AFSPC Milestone: First Wideband Global SATCOM satellite launched
8/30/2012 - Peterson AFB, Colo. -- As Air Force Space Command approaches its 30th Anniversary on 1 Sep, here is a significant milestone from the command's history...
On 11 October 2007, the first Wideband Global SATCOM satellite was launched by an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla. WGS is DoD's highest capacity communications satellite providing increased bandwidth and high data rate and long haul communications for marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen worldwide. The 3rd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever AFB, Colo., operates the WGS satellites.
The WGS system is a constellation of highly capable military communications satellites that leverage cost-effective methods and technological advances in the communications satellite industry. Each WGS satellite provides service in both the X and Ka frequency bands, with the unprecedented ability to cross-band between the two frequencies onboard the satellite. Each WGS satellite is digitally channelized and transponded. These characteristics provide a quantum leap in communications capacity, connectivity and flexibility for U.S. military forces and international partners while seamlessly integrating with current and future X- and Ka-band terminals.
Just one WGS satellite provides more SATCOM capacity than the entire DSCS constellation. International partners participating on the program are Australia, Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and New Zealand.
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