The United States Air Force declared Initial Operational Capability for Wideband Global Satellite Communications (WGS), its newest satellite communication system, as of January 26.
The first satellite, WGS-1, was launched on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station October 10, 2007. WGS is the nation’s nexgen wideband SATCOM system providing unrivaled capacity. The WGS-1 spacecraft provides 2.1 Gbps communications capacity, which is greater than the entire Defense Satellite Communication System (DSCS) constellation comprised of eight satellites. In addition, the WGS spacecraft has frequency reuse and cross-banding capabilities that provide the warfighter even greater flexibility.
The warfighter began seeing the capabilities WGS can bring to the fight on April 15, 2008, when WGS-1 became available for operational use. Led by the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Multi-Service Operational Test and Evaluation was completed using WGS-1, May 9, 2008. The official MOT&E report was provided December 10, 2008, which declared “WGS is mission capable in supporting strategic and tactical communications worldwide.” With the successful completion of MOT&E, WGS received the IOC declaration January 26. IOC certifies that WGS successfully meets the minimum capability for its effective employment defined by its acquisition requirements. Military forces such as the Air Force’s 3rd Space Operations Squadron and Army Strategic Command’s 53rd SignalBattalion are now operating, using, and supporting the warfighter with WGS. The next satellite, WGS-2, of the six-satellite constellation, is scheduled to launch March 9, 2009. WGS-2 will provide even more wideband communications coverage needed to support the warfighter. Full operational capability will be declared following the launch of the fifth WGS satellite, which is planned for 2012.
