The Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) network is a satellite communications system designed to provide high-speed, high-capacity communication services to the US military and its allies.
It was developed by the US Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) to meet the increasing demand for bandwidth and connectivity in the field.
The WGS network consists of six satellites in orbit around the Earth, with the first satellite launched in 2007 and the most recent one in 2019.
Each satellite has a payload of 16 transponders, which are used to transmit and receive data, voice, and video communications.
The WGS network provides connectivity to remote and austere locations, including areas with limited or no communication infrastructure.
It supports a wide range of applications, including tactical communications, satellite navigation, and weather forecasting.
The WGS network has a significant impact on the way the US military operates, enabling real-time communication and collaboration between units and commanders in the field.
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A Brief History and Key Capabilities of WGS
The Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) system has a fascinating history. In 2001, the U.S. Department of Defense selected Boeing Space Systems to develop WGS as a replacement for the aging Defense Satellite Communications System III (DSCS III).
DSCS III had been in operation for over 20 years, from 1980 to 2000, and no longer fully met the evolving needs of the U.S. military and government. WGS successfully enhanced the capabilities of the Department of Defense’s satellite communications services and became a key alternative to terrestrial data transmission networks.
The WGS system was designed to provide broadband global communication services, connecting individual users with the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN). Centralized command and control of tactical forces during both peacetime and wartime is made possible by the coordinated operation and integration of WGS’s three main segments.
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Technical Features
The Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) system is a complex network of satellites and ground terminals that provide high-speed communication services to the US military and its allies.
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Each WGS satellite operates at a frequency of 4.875 GHz, which supports the transfer of various types of data, including video, maps, and other critical information.
The WGS constellation consists of ten satellites grouped into three blocks, with the first block including WGS-1, WGS-2, and WGS-3, and the second block comprising WGS-4, WGS-5, and WGS-6.
The first WGS satellite, WGS-1, was launched on October 10, 2007, and became operational in April 2008, serving the Pacific region.
The WGS system has a bandwidth that ranges from 2.1 to 3.6 Gbps, depending on ground terminals, data transfer speeds, and configured profiles.
The WGS satellites are built on a Boeing 702 Bus, which has a weight of 13,000 lb at launch and generates 9,934 watts of power using solar arrays.
Each satellite in the WGS constellation operates in geosynchronous orbit at an altitude of 22,000+ miles, providing global coverage for the US military and its allies.
The WGS system is designed to provide a high level of performance, with each satellite capable of transferring data at a rate of approximately 10 times that of a DSCS satellite.
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The WGS-11 satellite, which is currently under construction, is expected to provide twice the capabilities of the current configuration and offer improved signal power and bandwidth efficiency.
The WGS system uses a digital channeliser to break uplink bandwidth into approximately 1,900 independently routable 2.6MHz subchannels, increasing connectivity between uplink and downlink coverage areas.
The Boeing 702 spacecraft used in the WGS system has advanced technologies in propulsion, power generation, and thermal control, allowing for flexible coverage areas and reconfigurable antennas.
The WGS system is designed to be highly flexible, with the ability to connect X- and Ka-band users within the coverage field of view via reconfigurable antennas and a digital channeliser.
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Need and Benefits
The Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) network was created to address the growing need for advanced military communication systems that could provide enhanced bandwidth and global interoperability for the U.S. military and its allies.
The U.S. Department of Defense experienced a 34% annual growth in bandwidth usage, with peak moments reaching up to 69%, making it essential to have a more reliable data transmission system.
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WGS significantly outperforms its predecessor, DSCS III, with each WGS satellite boasting greater bandwidth than the entire DSCS III network combined.
The complexity and scale of military operations have expanded, demanding higher levels of global coordination, which WGS ensures through stable communication between command centers and various units worldwide.
The military has expressed its need for newer satellite technologies, and WGS represents a prime example of such integration, featuring phased-array antennas and digital signal processing to enhance flexibility and scalability.
WGS supports cross-band data transfer, switching between X-band and Ka-band frequencies, which greatly enhances spectrum efficiency and ensures reliable communication in any condition.
The ability to switch between these bands grants WGS versatility and communication flexibility, allowing users to operate across different terminals without reconfiguring equipment.
The replacement of the outdated DSCS with WGS was beneficial not only for the U.S. but also for its military allies, whose defense ministries also use broadband satellite communication capabilities.
The satellites cover almost every corner of the Earth, including the territories of allied countries, which strengthens military cooperation between different regions and ensures security at the international level.
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This broadband military satellite communication has been useful during military operations in Iran and Afghanistan, and the U.S. Navy regularly uses it for communication between ships, submarines, and shore-based command centers.
Allies benefit from WGS capabilities in exchange for financial contributions to the system’s development, receiving returns proportional to their contributions.
In total, five countries provided $620 million toward the construction of the ninth WGS satellite, which had a total cost exceeding $1 billion.
Challenges and Issues
The Wideband Global SATCOM system has faced numerous challenges since its inception. Cost issues have been a major problem, with the initial estimated cost of $1.2 billion ballooning to $4.1 billion by 2012, a 235% increase.
The system's inability to immediately provide the projected bandwidth despite the growth in costs has also been a significant issue. The Pentagon's decision to search for an alternative system in 2018 further highlights the problems with WGS.
The House of Representatives allocated an additional $600 million for WGS 11 and 12, indicating that the system's architecture will only be developed after addressing current shortfalls. This suggests that the system's flaws will need to be rectified before moving forward.
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The military's use of 150 different types of terminals, not including other equipment, has made it difficult to achieve compatibility with commercial satellite services. Software updates are being considered to address this issue.
The WGS system has also been vulnerable to interference, but a mitigation and anti-jam improvement program was developed to address this issue. The program successfully passed testing in 2021 and has doubled the capabilities of jam-resistant satellite communication for six geographic combatant commands.
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Future and Development
The future of Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) is looking bright, with the new WGS-11+ satellite set to be launched in 2025, offering twice the capabilities of the current configuration.
Boeing has already signed a contract with the U.S. Space Force to produce WGS-12, which will focus on interference countermeasures and operational resilience, and is expected to be delivered to orbit by January 31, 2029. The launch of WGS-12 was initially in question, but funding was secured after confirmation from the U.S. Air Force that there were no viable commercial alternatives.
NATO is also developing technologies for stable and high-performance military communication, with a focus on the Northlink and Starlift space programs, which aim to create satellite communication systems for Arctic operations and enable NATO members to quickly launch satellites in crises, respectively.
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The Future of WGS
The new WGS-11+ satellite is expected to be launched in 2025, providing twice the capabilities of the current configuration and improved signal power and bandwidth efficiency.
It will offer enhanced capabilities compared to previous WGS satellites. The WGS-11+ will be a significant upgrade, making military communication more efficient and reliable.
WGS-12, on the other hand, will focus on interference countermeasures and operational resilience, ensuring stable communication through onboard processed, protected tactical signal forms in the Ka-band frequency range.
It is scheduled to be launched on January 31, 2029, although the timeline may shift due to external factors. The satellite's design will play a crucial role in maintaining communication stability.
NATO is also developing technologies to ensure stable and high-performance military communication for the U.S. and its allies, with a focus on the Northlink and Starlift space programs.
The Northlink program aims to create satellite communication systems for Arctic operations, helping to counter Russian military presence in the region.
Development
The development of the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) system has been a long-term effort. A team led by Boeing Integrated Defence Systems was awarded a contract to develop the WGS system in 2001, worth $160.3m and extendible up to $1.3bn.
The contract included the supply of satellites, spacecraft, payload control equipment, logistics, training, and sustained engineering support. Boeing's team of contractors includes Harris Corporation, ITT Industries, Logicon, and SAIC, which provide various components and services.
Boeing conducted a ground test for a Ka-band SATCOM antenna system in January 2011. This test was an important milestone in the development of the WGS system.
The WGS satellite communication system is divided into two blocks, with Block I containing WGS-1, WGS-2, and WGS-3 satellites, and Block II including WGS-4, WGS-5, and WGS-6.
The Australian Government provided A$927m ($822.7m) in funding for ground infrastructure of the sixth WGS satellite under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the DoD in 2007.
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Satellite Infrastructure
The Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) system relies on a robust satellite infrastructure to provide high-capacity communication links to US troops. The system comprises three main segments: space, terminal, and control.
The space segment refers to the satellites in orbit, which are launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Base in Florida, US. The WGS-1 satellite was launched into orbit on October 10, 2007, and operates over the Pacific region.
The satellites are controlled through four Army Wideband Satellite Operations Centres (WSOCs) on the ground, using ground equipment hardware and software developed by Boeing, ITT Industries, and Raytheon. The WSOCs use a telemetry tracking and command links (TT&C) system to locate and control the satellites from deviating their orbit.
The satellites were built on a Boeing 702 spacecraft with 13kW of power and flexible coverage areas. The Boeing 702 uses advanced technologies in propulsion, power generation, and thermal control, and can connect X- and Ka-band users within the coverage field of view via reconfigurable antennas and a digital channeliser.
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Satellites
The Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite system is a game-changer in the world of satellite communications. It provides 4.875GHz instantaneous switchable bandwidth, with around 500MHz of X-band and 1GHz Ka-band spectrum allocated to WGS.
Each WGS satellite offers a significant boost in data transmission rates, with capabilities ranging from 2.1Gbps to 3.6Gbps. This is a major improvement over the DSCS service life enhancement programme (SLEP) satellites, which WGS can supply data transmission rates ten times faster than.
The WGS system is designed to support airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles, with a radio frequency bypass capability. This allows for ultra-high bandwidth and the data rates demanded by these platforms.
The WGS satellites operate in geosynchronous orbit at an altitude of 22,000+ miles, with a power of 9,934 watts generated by solar arrays. Each satellite weighs around 13,000 lb at launch and is based on the Boeing 702 Bus design.
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The WGS system has undergone significant upgrades, with the digital channeliser being upgraded in June 2012 to offer 90% improvement for satellites WGS-8 and beyond. This has improved connectivity between uplink and downlink coverage areas.
The WGS system is designed to support the warfighter, providing a quantum leap in capabilities in terms of throughput and operational flexibility. It allows for the exchange of information faster, with higher data rates and more efficiently, and the ability to reach different locations simultaneously.
The WGS system has been operational since April 2008, with the first satellite, WGS-1, entering service in April 2008. The system has undergone several upgrades and additions, with the most recent satellite, WGS-10, launched in 2019.
The WGS system is a joint effort between the warfighting community, including the Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, and the engineers who design and operate the system.
US Satellite Ground Station
The US Satellite Ground Station is a crucial part of the satellite infrastructure, and it's fascinating to learn about its inner workings. The ground station is used to control and track US Wideband Global SATCOM satellites in orbit.
The satellites are controlled through four army wideband satellite operations centres (WSOCs) on the ground, which use ground equipment hardware and software developed by Boeing, ITT Industries, and Raytheon. These WSOCs are the brain of the operation, making sure the satellites stay on course.
A global satellite configuration and control element (GSCCE) is used to control and track three satellites operating in X- and Ka-band. This system is a marvel of technology, allowing for precise control and tracking of the satellites.
The GSCCE uses a telemetry tracking and command links (TT&C) system to locate and control the satellite, ensuring it doesn't deviate from its orbit. This system is a vital component of the ground station, working tirelessly behind the scenes.
The third SOPS controls the spacecraft platform via unique software and databases designed by Boeing and fitted on the command and control segment consolidated (CCS-C) systems supplied by Integral Systems. This level of precision and control is what makes the US Satellite Ground Station so effective.
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Operational Milestones
The Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) system has reached several significant milestones in its operational history. The first WGS satellite went operational on April 15.
The WGS system is a joint effort between the warfighting community and engineers who design a capability that will support the warfighter for the estimated life expectancy of the satellite. Each WGS is more capable than the entire nine-satellite DSCS constellation now in operation.
The first WGS satellite was launched on October 10, 2007, and entered service in April 2008. The WGS-1 satellite operates over the Pacific region.
Follow-On Orders and Shipments
The US Air Force extended the order value to $1.09bn in September 2011 to facilitate the production, launch and on-orbit activation of the seventh satellite and to procure the long lead materials for an eighth WGS satellite.
The US Air Force subsequently exercised its option for two more satellites, WGS-8 and WGS-9, under a $673m contract in January 2012.
WGS-7 and WGS-8 were launched in July 2015 and December 2016 respectively, marking significant milestones in the program.
The US Air Force and its international partners successfully launched WGS-9 in March 2017, funded through an international partnership consisting of the US Air Force, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, Luxemberg and New Zealand.
Boeing received a $338.7m contract modification to build WGS-10 in July 2012.
WGS-10 was successfully launched in March 2019.
Boeing announced the development of WGS-11, a new variant of its commercial 702 satellite, in December 2019.
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First Satellite Operational
The first Wideband Global SATCOM satellite went operational on April 15, marking a significant milestone in the Department of Defense's communications capabilities.
This satellite is the most powerful communications satellite in the DoD inventory, outperforming the entire nine-satellite DSCS constellation now in operation.
The WGS satellite is a result of joint efforts between the warfighting community, including the Army Space and Missile Defense Command, and the engineers who designed the capability to support the warfighter for the estimated life expectancy of the satellite.
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The six-satellite WGS constellation will be operational sometime in 2012, providing a significant leap in capabilities for the warfighter.
The joint aspect of this satellite constellation is similar to the way the DSCS constellation operates, with Air Force Space Command responsible for "flying" the WGS satellite.
The 3rd Space Operations Squadron continuously monitors and maintains satellite health by performing daily telemetry, tracking, and commanding functions.
The WGS satellite provides a quantum leap in capabilities, including higher data rates and operational flexibility, allowing warfighters to exchange information faster and more efficiently.
This satellite will enable the warfighter to receive and transmit data, full motion video, maps, voice, and imagery at all levels – tactical, operational, and strategic.
Network planning and payload operations for WGS are more complicated than with the DSCS system, requiring expertise and dedication from the SATCOM Support Centers and 53rd Signal Battalion.
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WGS Block 2
The WGS Block 2 satellites were launched in 2012 and 2013, expanding the constellation's coverage and capabilities.
These satellites were part of the second block of the Wideband Global Satcom system, which aimed to provide high-capacity services in the Ka and X frequency bands.
Each satellite in the WGS military communication system operates at a frequency of 4.875 GHz for signal transmission to and from Earth, supporting the transfer of various types of data, including video, maps, and other critical information.
The bandwidth ranges from 2.1 to 3.6 Gbps, depending on ground terminals, data transfer speeds, and configured profiles.
The Block II satellites were deployed to cover specific regions, with WGS-4 and WGS-5 serving the Indian Ocean and Atlantic regions, respectively.
The WGS constellation has continued to grow and evolve since its inception, with each new block and satellite addition enhancing its capabilities and coverage.
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Space Force seeks $832M for unfunded priorities
The Space Force is seeking an additional $832 million to cover its unfunded priorities. This news comes from Air & Space Forces Magazine and other leading publications.
The Space Force has a long list of priorities, but it seems they're struggling to fund them all. The extra $832 million would help bridge the gap.
The Space Force is a relatively new branch of the military, established in 2020. It's still figuring out its priorities and how to fund them.
Having a reliable communication system is crucial for the Space Force, and that's where the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) system comes in. WGS enables secure communication between troops and commanders in the field.
The WGS system has been a game-changer for the military, providing high-speed connectivity and secure communication. It's a vital tool for the Space Force.
The Space Force's request for $832 million is a significant one, and it will be interesting to see how it's received by lawmakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a wideband global Satcom cost?
Each WGS satellite costs approximately US$300 million. The cost can vary depending on the block, with Block I consisting of the first three satellites and Block II and II Follow-On consisting of more satellites.
Who are the users of WGS satellite?
The users of WGS satellite include US Government Agencies, the Department of Defense, and international partners such as NATO. These users rely on WGS for secure and high-capacity global communications.
How big is the global SATCOM market?
The global SATCOM market size was approximately $31.22 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach $70.89 billion by 2032. This significant growth is driven by a 9.6% CAGR during the forecast period.
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