Article Posted on : - Sep 14, 2011

Wideband Global SATCOM. A Boeing photo.

EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA (BNS): Boeing has received a $1.09 billion contract modification from the US Air Force adding funding to the existing Block II follow-on contract for the seventh Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite.

The authorization also includes options for the full production, launch and on-orbit activation of satellites eight and nine. The additional orders are part of the WGS Block II follow-on contract awarded in August 2010, Boeing said.

WGS is the Department of Defense’s highest-capacity communications satellite system. The three satellites currently on orbit are providing more than 30 times the communications capacity of the prior Defense Satellite Communications System constellation.

The contract includes production, launch site activities, and initial orbital operations and checkout for each satellite.

Boeing also is working with the Air Force on potential upgrades that would further increase the satellites' capacity and operational flexibility.

“With three satellites in operation today, WGS is already making a huge difference for the warfighter,” said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems. “Satellites seven and eight will address the growing demand for high-data-rate services worldwide.”