New Satellite Will Increase Cover for US Defense Forces

The Air Force launched a satellite on Wednesday designed to increase communications coverage for US defense forces and international partners.

Carried by a United Launch Alliance-built Delta IV rocket, the sixth Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) satellite represents a combined effort between military, government civilians and contractors.

Supporting the cost of the device is Australia, who will also benefit from the increased coverage.

According to a press release issued by the Air Force at the time, "The WGS system provides anytime, anywhere communication for the warfighter through broadcast, multicast, and point-to-point connections."

Furthermore, it explains that the system "provides essential communication services, allowing Combatant Commanders to exert command and control of their tactical forces, from peacetime to military operations."

Commander of the 45th Space Wing Brig. Gen. Nina Armagno called the mission an overwhelming success.

"I am proud of the hard work of the 45th Space Wing, the Space and Missile Systems Center, United Launch Alliance, Boeing, our industry and mission partners and everyone involved in this WGS-6 launch," Armagno said.

Over the next several months, Boeing will be engaged in on-orbit testing of the device in order to verify that it is functioning properly as well as preparing it for operational use.

Once all is in place, the satellite will be controlled by the US Air Force's 3rd Space Operations Squadron at Shcriever Air Force Base, Colo.

"WGS is providing unparalleled global communications capabilities to soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen for the United States, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and New Zealand," Charlotte Gerhart, chief, Wideband SATCOM Division, MILSATCOM Directorate said.

According to Boeing, the WGS satellites represent "key elements of a high-capacity system that provide a quantum leap in communications capabilities for the warfighter."

Currently, all six of the satellites are "meeting or exceeding their mission requirements," the company reports.

The latest satellite is scheduled to enter operations in early 2014 upon completion of all on-orbit testing.