Drawing of the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite.

A study that the US Department of Defense was expected to begin last fall was confirmed this week by the Pentagon and has finally begun that will address meeting the future needs of US military satellite communications.

The wideband Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) study had been signed by Frank Kendall, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology, and logistics as indicated by Captain Annmarie Annicelli, Air Force spokeswoman. The program is anticipated to have a lifespan of approximately one year and is expected to be to be directed by goals and objectives of the new Trump administration.

The objective is to inform future Pentagon decisions on military satellite communications. The Wideband Global Satcom program is scheduled  to launch its final satellite in 2019 with the launch of WGS-10. The AoA will help the Defense Department determine what will follow WGS-10, such as possibly additional WGS satellites or purchasing communications services from private companies.

“The Air Force was designated as the lead component for the program,” Annicelli said. “We look forward to working with our industry and international partners over the course of the AoA to determine the best mix of military and commercial SATCOM to ensure the SATCOM architecture is resilient in a future contested environment.”